One of the fascinating aspects of succulents and cacti is their ability to survive in tough conditions, and part of this survival strategy includes entering a dormant period. Understanding when and why your plants go dormant is crucial for ensuring they stay healthy and thrive in your care. While these plants are known for being low-maintenance, their dormancy periods require a shift in how you care for them.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what dormancy is, how to recognize when your succulents and cacti are in this state, and how to adjust your care routine during these periods.

What is Dormancy in Succulents and Cacti?

Dormancy is a natural phase of rest in many plants, including succulents and cacti. During this time, the plant’s growth slows down significantly, and it becomes less active. This is often triggered by environmental factors such as temperature, light, and water availability. For succulents and cacti, dormancy is typically aligned with seasonal changes.

  • Winter Dormancy: Many succulents and cacti go dormant in the cooler months, typically during fall and winter. This rest period helps the plant conserve energy for the more active growing season in spring and summer.

  • Summer Dormancy: Some succulents and cacti, particularly those native to hot desert environments, might enter a dormant phase during the hottest months of the year to avoid stress from excessive heat and sun.

Understanding that dormancy is a natural part of your plant's life cycle will help you avoid overwatering and other potential issues that can arise if you continue to care for them as if they were in their active growing phase.

How to Identify Dormancy in Succulents and Cacti

Recognizing the signs of dormancy in your succulents and cacti is essential so that you can adjust your care routine accordingly. Some of the key signs include:

  1. Slower Growth: During dormancy, succulents and cacti will stop growing, or their growth will be minimal. You might notice fewer new leaves or no new shoots developing.

  2. Wilting or Shriveling: This is a normal response for some succulents and cacti, particularly in winter dormancy. While it may seem alarming, it’s often a sign that the plant is conserving water and energy.

  3. Color Changes: Some plants may change color as they enter dormancy. For example, certain cacti may darken or develop a slight reddish tint as they slow down.

  4. Reduced Watering Needs: A major indicator that your plant is entering dormancy is a reduction in its need for water. Succulents and cacti generally require much less water during this period compared to their active growing season.

How to Adjust Care During Dormancy

Once you've identified that your succulents or cacti are entering dormancy, it's time to adjust your care routine to accommodate their needs during this phase. Here’s how to best care for them:

1. Watering:

Less is More: During dormancy, succulents and cacti need significantly less water. In fact, overwatering during this period is one of the most common causes of issues like root rot.

  • Check the soil: Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. It may take several weeks for the soil to dry out, depending on the plant and the environment.

  • Mist sparingly: While you don’t want to overwater, some humidity is still beneficial, especially for cacti. If the air is particularly dry, a light misting occasionally can help.

Signs of Overwatering: If the plant’s leaves start turning yellow, mushy, or translucent, you may be overwatering. These are clear signs that the roots have begun to rot, which can be fatal to your plant.

2. Light:

While succulents and cacti need plenty of light during their growing season, they generally need less intense light during their dormancy phase. However, they still require some light to stay healthy.

  • Reduced sunlight exposure: Place your dormant plants in a location that still receives some indirect sunlight. A windowsill with filtered light is ideal. If you’re keeping them in a dimmer area, you might want to supplement with grow lights to maintain a healthy light cycle.

  • Resting temperature: Most succulents and cacti will benefit from being kept in a cool space during their dormancy period (e.g., 50°F-60°F or 10°C-15°C). Avoid placing them in very hot or very cold locations.

3. Temperature:

Dormant succulents and cacti generally need cooler temperatures to help them rest.

  • Cool environment: Ensure that the temperature stays within a moderate range. For most cacti and succulents, a drop in temperature signals that the plant should rest. Avoid placing them in areas with constant drafts or near heaters, as fluctuating temperatures can stress the plant.

  • Avoid heat stress: If your plant is summer-dormant, ensure it’s not exposed to too much heat. A warm environment can stress the plant and may hinder its natural dormancy cycle.

4. Fertilizing:

During dormancy, succulents and cacti are not actively growing, so they do not need fertilizing. In fact, fertilizing during dormancy can harm the plant by encouraging growth when it should be resting.

  • No fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing succulents and cacti while they’re dormant. Start fertilizing again when you notice signs of new growth in spring.

  • Use diluted fertilizer: Once the plants are in their active growing phase, you can use a balanced, diluted fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

How Long Do Dormancy Periods Last?

The length of dormancy varies depending on the species and environmental factors. In general:

  • Winter dormancy for most succulents and cacti can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, typically between November and February.

  • Summer dormancy can last from mid-spring to late summer, especially for plants that are native to desert regions.

Once the weather warms up, the days get longer, and your plant begins receiving more light, your succulent or cactus will usually begin to break dormancy and resume active growth.

Common Succulents and Cacti That Go Dormant

Not all succulents and cacti go dormant, and the timing can vary based on the species. However, here are some common plants that undergo dormancy:

Succulents:

  • Echeveria: Often goes dormant in winter.

  • Aloe Vera: Typically slows down in the cooler months.

  • Crassula (Jade Plant): Goes dormant in winter and needs reduced watering during this time.

  • Kalanchoe: May rest during the winter months but remains semi-active.

Cacti:

  • Opuntia (Prickly Pear): Goes dormant in winter.

  • Astrophytum (Star Cactus): Often has a winter dormancy period.

  • Echinocactus (Barrel Cactus): May enter dormancy in the heat of summer.

  • Mammillaria: Some species will go dormant in winter or summer, depending on the environment.

Conclusion:

Understanding the dormancy periods of succulents and cacti is an essential part of caring for these beautiful plants. By recognizing the signs of dormancy and adjusting your care routine accordingly—such as watering less, offering filtered light, and avoiding fertilization—you can ensure that your plants stay healthy throughout their resting period and are ready to thrive when the growing season begins again.

Remember, dormancy is a natural and necessary part of the life cycle of succulents and cacti, and with a little knowledge and attention, you can help your plants through this quiet, restful time and set them up for a successful growing season ahead.