Whether we live in an apartment or a house, succulents bring a touch of greenery and exoticism to our interiors and balconies. But one question comes up every year as the cold approaches: do succulents survive the winter? Should we bring them all in? Are they frost-resistant? In this article, I explain how I protect my succulents during the cold season, some in the garden, others indoors. Find out which hardy varieties to choose, what to do, and what mistakes to avoid to keep your succulents healthy until spring.
Why does winter pose problems for succulents?
Succulents are plants that can store water in their leaves or stems, making them resistant to drought… but not necessarily to cold! In winter, there are three factors to watch out for:
- frost or cold (even at positive temperatures), which can cause leaf tissue to burst
- Moisture, which promotes root rot
- Lack of light, which weakens the plant
Which succulents can survive the winter outdoors?
Some hardy succulents can withstand very low temperatures, provided the soil is well drained, while others can withstand slightly negative temperatures for a few hours.
Top 4 cold-hardy succulents :
| Plant name | Frost resistance | In pots or in the ground? | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sempervivum (houseleek) | Down to -20°C | Ideal for rock gardens | Snow- and frost-resistant |
| Sedum | Down to -15°C | Open ground | Remove damaged leaves in spring |
| Delosperma | Down to -10°C | Sunny terrace | Blooms even in cool weather |
| Opuntia humifusa (hardy cactus) | Down to -25°C | Raised pot or dry soil | Avoid stagnant humidity |
Tip: To avoid winter dampness, place these plants in pierced pots with an upturned saucer underneath (raised effect + drainage) or, better still, small raised legs that let the water run off well.
Read: 10 frost-resistant succulents
Here, I don’t leave any succulents out in the rain in winter. I install them either under the tunnel greenhouse, or in a mini-greenhouse on the terrace, protected from frost.
Then there are the big Echeverias like those pictured here in Brittany, which stay outside all year round. They simply need to be protected from the rain.
I use a mini greenhouse to protect my plants in winter:
Which succulents should be stored in winter?
Non-hardy succulents cannot tolerate temperatures close to zero. Some can’t even stand temperatures below 10°C. They need to be protected indoors, in a bright, heated spot.
Examples to house:
- Echeveria: very decorative but sensitive to cold
- Crassula ovata (Jade tree): minimum 5°C
- Aloe vera: sensitive to cold humidity
- Kalanchoe, Haworthia, Lithops (rock plants)
- To keep them in shape:
- Water no more than once a month
- Place them near a well-exposed window, in full sun if possible.
- No fertilizer between November and March
Useful product: Heating mats for plants (ideal for maintaining a minimum temperature indoors), for example if you’re setting up your plants in a bright but cold room. I also use these little heating mats to sow my early peppers and chillies.
How do you protect your succulents in winter?
Outdoor :
- Use a breathable winterizing veil: anti-freeze veil. I use this type of veil for my aeoniums, which I only put back in the garage in case of frost. The rest of the time, they’re in the tunnel greenhouse.
- Add a mineral mulch (pozzolana, gravel) to drain the water if the plant is exposed to rain.
- Avoid areas that are too shady or exposed to wind and rain.
Indoors :
- Place pots near a south-facing window
- Avoid direct heat sources (radiators)
- Use an LED horticultural lamp if the room is dark: a growth lamp, especially in the depths of winter, otherwise plants tend to grow upwards.
Read: Guide to succulent plant care indoors
Winter dormancy: should you worry if your succulent stops growing?
No, it’s perfectly normal. Winter is a period of vegetative rest for most succulents. Aeoniums have a rather unusual growth cycle. Other succulents slow down their growth, and sometimes their leaves shrink or change color slightly.
Above all, avoid over-watering, as this is when plants are most susceptible to rot. Stop watering cacti altogether until spring!
Some succulents actually change color in winter thanks to the cold.
In a nutshell: can succulents survive winter?
| Situation | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| Mild climate (Mediterranean) | Many succulents can be kept outdoors all year round |
| Temperate or cold climate | Retract non-rustics, protect others with veil + drainage |
| Balcony or potted garden | Shelter from the wind, elevate pots, tuck in sensitive species |
Conclusion
Succulents can survive the winter, provided you are aware of their sensitivity to the cold and adapt their environment. Choose hardy varieties for the garden, and pamper tropical species indoors during the cold season.
At first, we test a little. You observe the plant when the cold arrives and see how it reacts. This is especially applicable to plants bought in garden centers and whose provenance you don’t know.
By following these simple tips, your plants will stay beautiful and in great shape until spring!
And to complete your knowledge of the subject:
Read: 10 frost-resistant succulents
Read: Guide to succulent plant care indoors
FAQ – Can succulents survive winter?
Should succulents be brought inside in winter?
Yes, for non-hardy species. If temperatures drop below 5°C, it’s best to bring succulents indoors, or protect them in a cold greenhouse or with a winter veil.
No, for certain varieties. It all depends on the plant in question
How to water succulents in winter?
Very little, if any, for cacti. In winter, succulents theoretically go into vegetative rest. Too much water can lead to root rot. Water only if the plant shows signs of dehydration, and only if the soil is completely dry.
Read more: Watering succulents indoors
Can succulents be left outside all year round?
Yes, but only if they are hardy varieties and have good drainage. Avoid unprotected terracotta pots, which can crack with frost. Place them in an area sheltered from rain and wind, such as a covered balcony or against a south-facing wall.
Do succulents need light in winter?
Absolutely. Even in winter, succulents need light to survive. So we install them near a sunny window, or use a horticultural lamp if natural light is insufficient.
