Tips for Caring for Your Succulents During the Fall

As the seasons shift and cooler temperatures arrive, your succulents require a bit of extra attention to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant through the fall months. While succulents are known for their hardiness and low-maintenance care, the change in weather can affect their growth patterns and watering needs. In this blog, we’ll provide you with essential tips for transitioning your succulents from the heat of summer to the cooler days of fall.

1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

One of the most important adjustments to make as fall arrives is to scale back on watering. During the fall and winter months, succulents enter a period of dormancy, where their growth slows down, and they require less water to thrive. Overwatering during this time can lead to root rot, a common issue for succulents in cooler weather.

Watering Tip:

Let the soil completely dry out between waterings. Once dry, water sparingly, about once every 3–4 weeks, depending on the humidity in your home or garden.
Always water succulents at the base, avoiding the leaves to prevent rot.

2. Monitor Light Exposure

As the days become shorter, your succulents may receive less sunlight. Succulents need a good amount of light to thrive, and the fall season can pose challenges if you’re growing them indoors or in shaded areas. Without enough light, succulents can become “leggy,” growing tall and thin as they stretch towards light sources.

Light Tip:

Move your indoor succulents closer to windows where they can receive more direct sunlight during the day.
For outdoor succulents, make sure they are in an area that gets at least 4–6 hours of sunlight, or supplement with a grow light if necessary.

3. Protect from Cooler Temperatures

Succulents prefer warm temperatures and can suffer if exposed to cold weather, especially frost. In areas where temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) in the fall, it’s essential to provide extra protection for your succulents.

Temperature Tip:

If you have outdoor succulents, bring them indoors as nighttime temperatures drop.
If bringing them inside isn’t an option, consider using frost cloths or moving them to a sheltered spot like a covered porch or greenhouse.
Keep indoor succulents away from drafty windows or doors that could expose them to chilly air.

4. Fertilize Sparingly

Succulents don’t require a lot of feeding, especially during the fall when their growth slows down. However, giving them a light dose of fertilizer at the beginning of fall can help boost their health and prepare them for the dormant winter season.

Fertilizing Tip:

Use a balanced, diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer once at the start of fall.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to leggy growth or salt buildup in the soil.

5. Repot If Necessary

If you notice your succulents have outgrown their containers or the soil is compacted and not draining well, fall is a good time to repot them before they fully enter dormancy. Succulents do best in well-draining soil, so make sure you’re using a cactus or succulent-specific potting mix.

Repotting Tip:

Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Handle your succulents gently, especially when transferring them to a new container, to avoid damaging the roots.

6. Prune and Clean Up

Fall is the perfect time to prune your succulents and clean up any dead or damaged leaves. Removing these parts not only improves the plant’s appearance but also prevents pests from taking up residence in decaying plant material.

Pruning Tip:

Use clean, sharp scissors to snip off any dead or leggy growth.
Clean up fallen leaves around the base of the plant to maintain good airflow and discourage pest infestations.

7. Watch for Pests

As temperatures cool down, succulents become more susceptible to pests like mealybugs and aphids, which tend to thrive in damp, indoor environments. Regularly inspect your succulents to ensure they remain pest-free.

Pest Tip:

If you spot pests, treat your succulent with a gentle solution of water and rubbing alcohol (70%) or a natural insecticidal soap.
Quarantine any infected plants to prevent the pests from spreading to others.

Final Thoughts

Fall is a beautiful season, and with just a few adjustments to your care routine, your succulents can continue to flourish during the cooler months. Keep an eye on their watering, light exposure, and temperature, and they’ll be ready to thrive through the winter and into the next growing season.

Looking for more succulents to add to your collection? Browse our SHOP to add new, hardy plants to your home or garden!