Some succulents are adapted to go dormant during particularly cold or hot seasons to protect themselves from extreme temperatures. Dormancy varies across succulent genera and some varieties will lose their seasonal patterns in cultivation. The majority of succulents have a spring/summer growing season and slow down or shed leaves in the winter cold, though there are a few notable exceptions listed below.
Growing Season versus Dormant Season Care
- Dormant and semi-dormant succulents need little to no water
- Do not fertilize just before or during a plant's dormant season
- Growing succulents will be responsive to climatic changes than dormant plant and need gradual transitions to acclimate
Summer Dormant, Winter Growing Exceptions
Varieties that Lose Leaves Each Winter
For more information, check out the full Guide to Winter Dormancy.
