Before we discuss your specific location, you must understand my fundamental, non-negotiable needs. I am a succulent built for arid, sunny environments. My plump, fleshy leaves are designed to store water for long periods. Therefore, my greatest enemy is consistently wet soil, which will cause my roots to rot and my stem to turn to mush. I demand soil that drains exceptionally quickly. I also crave abundant, direct sunlight—at least six hours a day—to maintain my compact, beautiful rosette shape and vibrant colors. Without it, I will become stretched, pale, and weak, a condition you call etiolation. Please keep these core needs in mind as we explore the different zones.
For me, USDA zones 9-11 are paradise. Here, I can live outdoors year-round. The mild winters mean the risk of frost is minimal or very brief. I will reward your care with vigorous growth and may even send up tall flower stalks with bell-shaped blossoms. While I adore the sun, in the peak of zone 11 summers, a little afternoon shade can prevent my leaves from getting sunburned. Water me deeply only when the soil is completely dry, and then leave me be. My main threat here is excessive summer rainfall; ensure I am planted in a raised bed or container with perfect drainage to avoid wet feet during humid spells.
Zones 7 and 8 are my borderline habitats. I can enjoy the long spring, summer, and fall outdoors here, but winter is a serious threat. Temperatures can dip well below freezing, and ice crystals forming inside my cells are a death sentence. Your vigilance is key. You must plant me in a container that can be moved. As autumn ends and temperatures consistently hover near freezing (32°F or 0°C), you must bring me indoors to a bright, cool spot, such as a south-facing windowsill or under a grow light. Alternatively, if I am in the ground, you can protect me with a frost cloth during cold snaps, but this is a risky gamble.
For zones 6 and lower, I cannot survive the harsh winters outdoors. My existence here is that of a container plant. I relish being outside during the frost-free months, soaking up the sun from spring to fall. However, I am entirely dependent on you to monitor the weather. At the first hint of a frost warning in autumn, I must be relocated to a protected indoor environment. A sunny windowsill is my winter sanctuary. During this indoor period, water me very sparingly, as my growth will slow significantly. I will become dormant, needing just enough water to prevent my roots from desiccating completely. Please place me back outside only after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Regardless of your zone, my life depends on the soil I live in. A standard potting mix will suffocate me. You must plant me in a specialized cactus and succulent mix, or better yet, create your own by amending regular potting soil with plenty of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. The goal is to create a gritty, loose medium where water flows through instantly. The watering rule is universal: soak the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out completely before even considering watering again. In winter, no matter the zone, I need much less water due to cooler temperatures and reduced growth.
