Plant guide:ðŸŠī Succulent
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Growth

Confusing Summer or Winter Dormancy for a Problem

Commonly affects: Various succulents (Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, and others)

The plant appears to stop growing, sometimes with slightly duller colour or minor leaf tucking, during a period the grower expects active growth.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Many succulents have a genuine dormancy period, either in summer (for winter-growers like many Aeonium and some Aloe) or winter (for summer-growers like most Echeveria)
  2. 2Not knowing your specific species' natural growth cycle, leading to unnecessary worry or incorrect care adjustments
  3. 3Continuing to water on a summer schedule during a plant's actual dormant season, which can cause more harm than the dormancy itself

Solution Steps

  1. 1Research your specific succulent's natural growing season, since it varies significantly by species and origin
  2. 2Reduce watering further during a plant's dormant period rather than maintaining active-season habits
  3. 3Expect minimal to no growth during dormancy, and don't interpret this alone as a problem
  4. 4Resume normal care as the plant's natural growing season returns

Prevention Tip

Not all succulents are 'summer growers' — knowing whether your specific species rests in summer or winter prevents mistaking healthy dormancy for a problem.

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