Greetings. We are Echeveria, a vast and diverse genus of succulent plants. To truly understand our dormancy, you must first see the world through our leaves. We do not experience dormancy as a simple on/off switch based on the calendar month. Instead, our rest periods are a direct and profound response to environmental triggers, primarily temperature and light intensity. Our care needs shift dramatically between our active growth phase and our dormant rest. Misunderstanding this cycle is a primary reason our relationships with humans sometimes end poorly.
For many of us, particularly those native to regions with intense, hot, and dry summers, the hottest part of the year signals a time for deep rest. This is our summer dormancy. When temperatures consistently soar above 80°F (27°C) and the sun is at its most punishing, our internal systems slow to a crawl. Our roots drastically reduce their water uptake because absorbing moisture in searing heat is inefficient and risks cooking our core. Our growth ceases entirely; you will not see new leaves forming at the center. This is a survival strategy to conserve energy and water until more favorable conditions return, typically with the cooler temperatures of autumn.
During our summer dormancy, your care must adapt. Water is the most critical factor. You must water us very sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry for an extended period, and even then, provide just a small sip to prevent our roots from desiccating and dying entirely. The goal is to keep us slightly plump, not to promote growth. Watering deeply during a heatwave can lead to rapid root rot in the hot, moist soil. Furthermore, while we love light, some of us may require slight protection from the most intense afternoon sun to prevent severe sunburn on our leaves, as we are not actively producing pigments to protect ourselves.
Contrary to what you might assume, for a great many Echeveria, the cool seasons of autumn, winter, and early spring are our time to thrive. When temperatures drop into the range of 45-60°F (7-15°C), we interpret this as our signal to awaken. The cool air holds moisture better and reduces stress, while the sun, though less intense, is often still plentiful. This is our prime growing season. You will see us actively producing new roots, pushing out fresh, tight rosettes of leaves, and for many, sending up flower stalks to reproduce.
As we are actively growing, our water and nutrient needs increase. You should water us more regularly, employing the thorough "soak and dry" method—watering deeply only when the soil is completely dry. This supports our root expansion and new leaf development. This is also the appropriate time to offer a diluted, balanced fertilizer to fuel our growth and spectacular blooms. However, you must be vigilant about temperature. We are tender succulents and cannot tolerate frost. If temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing, we must be moved to a protected environment. A cold, bright windowsill indoors is often the perfect place for us to continue our growth through the winter.
