Preparing Succulents for Frost (and What Actually Works)

Succulents thrive with hot, dry conditions and lots of sunshine. Winter can be a dangerous time for tender succulents, due to:

• Increased humidity

• Reduced light

• Colder temperatures

But did you know that some succulent varieties thrive in cold regions and can withstand frost with proper protection? Whether you’re a first-time grower or have been overwintering succulents for years, we’ve got tips to help you keep your plants healthy. 

Avoid heartbreak over frozen plants with this guide for preparing succulents for frost. We’re here to bust common myths and help you keep your succulents healthy until warm weather returns. 

Understanding Succulent Frost Risk

Succulents are mostly made up of water, making them vulnerable to frost damage. The water inside freezes, expanding and bursting the cells and damaging the tissue. The most common sign that frost damage has occurred is that the leaves become translucent, pale, and droopy. Plants can recover if the damage isn’t extensive and you remove the affected parts. Root rot and leaf mush can occur if you don’t take swift action.

Some succulents produce a natural antifreeze, which protects their cells from damage. A few widespread frost-tolerant succulent genera include: 

• Sedum (Stonecrop)

• Agave 

• Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks), great for beginners! 

• Delosperma (Ice Plant)* 

• Yucca

• Some aloe plants 

*Do not plant in coastal regions as it can become invasive quickly. 

Take extra precautions if your region is cold but snow-free. Snow can act as an insulator when temperatures drop below freezing, protecting plants from the cold. Add mulch or frost cloth before winter if bringing them indoors isn’t an option. 

Don’t know your local frost date? Review the interactive map on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's website to find it. 

Simple Strategies for Home Gardeners

Timing: When to Start Winter Prep

Track late fall weather forecasts and prepare for cold snaps and potential frost. Prepare early by getting your frost blankets out and mulching plants to reduce the risk of unexpected damage. Remember that hardy succulents do not need frost protection. Discover how frost blankets help protect crops from loss here. 

Easy Ways to Protect Outdoor Succulents

Let’s bust our first myth. 

Myth #1: Watering before a frost protects succulents. 

Truth: While this is true for some plants, such as fruit bushes, dry soil is generally safer for succulents. They store plenty of water in their leaves, so avoid watering too much before a frost. 

Instead, protect outdoor succulents by matching their cold hardiness to your region. A low tunnel allows you to overwinter under cover, protecting plants from harsh frosts. Mulch or cover to increase the temperature around them. Ensure airflow is ample and they receive at least four hours of sunlight daily. These factors:

• Reduce pest pressure

• Prevent disease and moisture build-up

• Ensure the root’s ability to uptake water and nutrients  

Bootstrap tip: Familiarize yourself with the temperature threshold for all succulent varieties you’re growing. Bring them indoors or offer protection before damage occurs. 

Preparing Indoor Spots for Winter

Myth #2: Succulents make easy-to-care-for indoor plants.

Truth: While this can be true, succulents need a Goldilocks indoor setup to thrive. Not all growers may have access to this type of space, especially beginners.

The ideal succulent indoor growing space should have the following:

• Ample, indirect sun

• Draft-free 

• Good circulation and airflow to prevent disease 

• Low relative humidity 

• Comfortable temperature between 55°F and 75°F (12°C and 23°C)

No need for spa treatments, like you may read on some gardening blogs. Keep it simple and monitor your plants. Occasionally, spritz the soil with a fine mist from a sprayer like this one. Make changes based on the plants’ behavior. Note anything weird. 

Stay organized with plant labels and sturdy 1020 trays, which come with or without holes. Organization is beneficial when growing a wide range of plants and varieties. The Bootstrap community loves our plant pots for the three Ds: durability, dependability, and drainage. 

Advanced (But Totally Doable) Grower Techniques

Container Choice: Set Yourself Up for Success

Drainage is crucial for indoor succulents in the winter. Properly drain excess water for root rot prevention. Select professional-grade plant pots. Build a collection of various shapes and sizes, and choose one that is best for each plant. 

Our pots are: 

• Durable 

• Long-lasting 

• BPA-free, recyclable #5 polypropylene 

• Offer excellent drainage 

• Will promote healthy roots

• 4-cell and 6-cell inserts offer air-pruning benefits

• Versatile 

Bootstrap Farmer community members love pairing our 5x5 grow trays in our extra-strength 1020s to stay organized. Eight of them fit perfectly inside, allowing you to transport your plants and seedlings with ease. 

Creating a Moveable Succulent Army

Myth #3: The pots I choose don’t matter. 

Truth: Succulent containers make all the difference between surviving and thriving! 

Bootstrap Farmer offers easy-to-use, modular seed trays and kits that save your back and make moving around plants a breeze. We designed the 5x5 and 10x10 trays to nestle perfectly into our 1020s, removing the guesswork from greenhouse tasks. Snag an insert to help support and organize 3” and 5” containers. 

Our color options make it fun and easy to stay organized. Add our color-coded plant labels, and you’ve got yourself a party.

Watering Schedule Tweaks for Cold Months

Myth #4: I should water my plants the same amount all year round. 

Truth: You should adjust your watering schedule during your plant’s dormant period for optimal results.  

Succulent dormancy requires less water. Failing to adjust your schedule to account for your plant’s decreased water needs will lead to overwatering, fungal disease, and root rot. 

Be careful not to under-water though. Signs include: 

• Shriveled leaves 

• Brown leaves 

• Stunted growth 

• Drooping 

• Yellowing 

• Dry soil, pulling away from the pot’s edge 

Bootstrap tip: You may use pebbles or small stones at the bottom of pots, but drainage holes are a better option. They’ll allow excess salts to flush out, water to drip out, and will help aerate the soil. Select a pot with air-pruning capabilities or proper drainage holes.

What REALLY Works: Tricks from Commercial Growers

Provide lights indoors if you: 

• Grow year-round indoors 

• Your home lacks enough natural light 

• Your region has short days 

• Plants are leggy and stretching, or displaying other signs of light insufficiency  

Commercial growers have a secret, and it’s in the mix. The growing medium should offer excellent drainage and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Avoid fertilizing as you do other houseplants; succulents don’t need it. Too much can be damaging. Keep home soil testing kits on hand to determine if the levels of macro and micronutrients are sufficient. Related: Beginner's Guide to Soil Fertility: Simple Steps to Boost Your Garden’s Health

Sort plants by their needs and hardiness to simplify care and prevent crowding. Note that plants with bright, deep colors may fade indoors if they don’t receive ample natural or artificial light. 

Troubleshooting Common Winter Problems

Issue #1: Leggy Succulents 

A lack of sunlight or improper lighting causes legginess. Legginess is a typical wintertime issue, particularly when the days are shorter. Growers who lack suitable lighting setups often rely on windowsills as a source of light.

Issue #2: Pale Plants 

Succulents are known for their stunningly bright color options. Insufficient lighting can diminish their glow, giving them a dull appearance and decreasing their hues. 

Issue #3: Sad-Looking Succulents

Succulents require lots of sunlight to photosynthesize properly. Some plants show a general sadness in the winter because they’re missing the long days and direct sunlight. They may spread out more than usual to allow more light to reach the plant parts. 

Solution: Indoor Lighting Using Grow Lights 

Adjustable grow lights will support indoor survival. Proper lighting will trick your plants into thinking it’s still summer. 

Succulents generally enjoy LED lights, which offer a varied light spectrum, low energy costs, and reduce the risk of burning. Place plants 6 to 12 inches from the light and monitor their health, adjusting as needed. If you don’t have grow lights, make sure to place your succulents in the sunniest south-facing window you have. 

Cold Shock and Frost Damage

Succulents’ plump, juicy leaves are mostly made of water, which makes temperatures below 32°F (0°C) dangerous. When the water inside the leaves freezes, damage occurs. Cold-damaged succulents get mushy, brown, black, or yellow, and may experience stunted growth. They’re vulnerable to disease, further frost damage, and death, so quick action is crucial. 

Follow these five steps:

1. If your damaged plants are outside, bring them indoors immediately. 

2. Prune off the damaged leaves and discard them to encourage the plant to send energy into new growth. 

3. Ensure the pot can drain properly. 

4. Avoid repotting to prevent further stress. 

5. Place the succulent in a warm spot away from drafts and direct sunlight. 

Watch the plants’ progress and be patient. If some of your plants succumb to the damage, don’t beat yourself up over it. It happens to the best of us! You’ll gain experience each year that'll boost your confidence and enhance your plant’s health. 

Root Rot and Soggy Container Syndrome

Pots with poor drainage or overwatering can cause:

• Root rot

• Infections and fungal disease

• Soggy roots

• Yellowing

• Stinky soil

• Possible death

To save a succulent in trouble, follow these seven simple steps:

1. Remove the plant from infected soil 

2. Discard soggy soil 

3. Trim any roots that appear black, rotted, or mushy. Use clean tools to avoid the spread of rot.

4. Sterilize the pot, or choose a clean one. 

5. Re-pot the plant in fresh potting soil. Look for something designed for succulents

6. Wait to water until the roots have dried out a bit and the plant has had a few days to reestablish itself.

7. Water your plant only once the top of the soil has dried out to avoid overwatering in the future. 

Helpful Bootstrap Farmer Tools for Succulent Winter Success

Growing high-quality plants is easier when you start with high-quality gardening products. Here are a few of our community’s favorite products that will help you stay organized and keep your plants healthy:

• Plant labels to stay organized in style 

• 1020 deep trays to move lots of plants in a cinch 

• Seed-starting trays for small collections or market-scale batches

• Humidity domes will help control moisture in early winter 

Tips for Next Spring: Setting Up for Easier Winters Ahead

1. Cluster plants together outdoors or use cold frames to create a microclimate. They’ll share heat and perform better surrounded by the insulation of friends. 

2. Select pots and trays that will last for many seasons to save energy and cost. It will also make moving plants indoors a breeze. 

3. Propagate your future backup plants now with our easy step-by-step propagation guide. It delves deep into various methods, the necessary tools, and tips for success. 

4. Select plants based on your USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone here. 

5. Review your notes and make changes to your indoor growing setup as needed. 

FAQs

How cold is too cold for succulents to survive outside?

Most succulents require temperatures above 40°F (4°C) to survive outdoors. It's dependent on the type, variety, and your growing region. Take specific questions to your local nursery. 

Can I use bubble wrap or plastic to cover my succulents?

Plastic won’t allow your plants to breathe, so it’s not advisable. Burlap coffee sacks and frost blankets protect while allowing for air circulation. 

How do I know if my succulent is getting enough light indoors?

Look for signs of light deficiency: 

• Leggy or stretched out 

• Space between plants 

• Unhappy looking, pale, yellowing 

• Stunted growth 

• Droopy leaves 

Supplement your indoor plants with LED lights. 

Should I fertilize succulents in winter?

Nutrients aren’t needed during dormancy, and soil buildup may even cause damage to your plant. Save the feed for spring and summer, when they’re most active. 

What are the best pots for overwintering succulents?

Select a sturdy, appropriately sized pot with drainage holes. Dormant plants won’t do much growing, but there should be at least a half-inch of space around the edges.

How do I revive a frost-damaged succulent?

If your plant is outdoors, bring it indoors if possible. Ensure proper drainage and prune off the damaged plant parts. Avoid watering while it recovers. Place it in a warm, well-ventilated area away from drafts and direct sunlight. Provide supplemental lighting. 

Is it safe to leave succulents outside during a light frost?

Some succulents, such as sedum, agave, and jade, can tolerate a light frost. Cover cold-sensitive plants with frost blankets or bring potted plants indoors before a frost to protect them from damage. 

How often should I water succulents in winter?

Allow the soil to dry out before watering. In winter months, plan to water every 4-6 weeks. Remember, succulents have a reserve of water in their leaves.