Oct 14, 20236 min read

How to Care for Cactus and Succulents in UK Winter

As winter descends upon the United Kingdom, many plant enthusiasts find themselves wondering how to ensure the well-being of their beloved cacti and succulents in the face of cold, damp conditions. The UK's humid temperate oceanic climate can be challenging for these hardy and tender plants, but with some care and attention, you can help your beloved plants thrive throughout the winter months.

Understanding Cacti and Succulents

Before we dive into winter care, let's take a moment to understand these remarkable plants.

Succulents, encompassing a wide variety of plant species, are known for their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. These plants can be found in various habitats across the globe, from deserts to semi-arid regions, and even in some tropical areas. Their water-storing adaptations make them well-suited to survive in environments with limited water availability.

Cacti, on the other hand, are particularly well adapted to arid regions. They have evolved unique features such as spines, reduced leaves, and specialized water-storing tissues to thrive in harsh, water-scarce conditions. Cacti are primarily native to the Americas, with the majority of species found in North and South America, particularly in desert ecosystems. These remarkable plants have adapted to some of the most challenging environments on Earth, where water is scarce and temperatures can vary dramatically.

However, it's important to note that within the broader category of succulents, not all are equally hardy. This is why we distinguish between "hardy succulents" and "tender succulents." While hardy succulents can tolerate colder conditions and may even survive outdoors in temperate regions like the UK, tender succulents are more sensitive to cold and typically require protection or indoor care during the winter months.

Hardy vs. Tender Succulents

Hardy succulents, including specific species of sedum and sempervivum, exhibit better resilience against colder temperatures and are often capable of thriving outdoors year-round in the UK. To ensure their well-being, it's crucial to cultivate them in well-draining soil, which helps prevent root rot. Achieving this is easily accomplished by using a higher ratio of inorganic mix to organic material and opting for planting in raised rock borders. During harsh frosts, you may even wish to use a frost blanket for added protection.

On the flip side, tender succulents, such as numerous varieties of echeveria and aeonium, are more susceptible to cold stress. As a result, it's advisable to keep them indoors or in a heated greenhouse during the winter months to protect them from the UK's chilly conditions.

Preparing Your Succulents for Winter

Light Requirements: One of the most critical aspects of succulent care in the winter is providing adequate light. Place your succulent houseplants on a sunny windowsill to ensure they receive as much light as possible during the shorter days.
Temperature: Succulents generally prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). During the winter months, try to maintain a consistent temperature for your plants. Avoid placing them near radiators or heaters, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress them.
Watering: During the growing season, succulents fall in love with well-drained soil. To prepare for winter, reduce watering significantly. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This helps prevent root rot, which is a common issue in wet soil.
Soil and Pots: Make sure your succulents are potted in well-drained soil. As a general rule of thumb, your cactus soil mix should consist of 60-70% organic material (e.g. leaf compost/coconut coir/ peat-free soil/ carbonised rice hull) and 30-40% inorganic material (e.g. Perlite/ Lava rock / coarse sand/ River Sand/ Pumice/ Crushed granite/ Vermiculite or Limestone). Terracotta pots are also a good choice as they porous and allow for better air circulation. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.
Protection from Frost: When ground frost threatens, consider bringing your tender succulents indoors or providing them with extra insulation. Use horticultural fleece or place them in a sheltered spot to shield them from the cold.

Caring for Cacti in Winter

Most cacti can handle colder temperatures better than tender succulents. Here are some specific tips for growing cacti in the UK winter:

Watering: To optimize cactus care during the winter, it's crucial to reduce watering significantly. In their native habitats, cacti undergo a natural rest period during the colder months, making them less reliant on moisture. Since cacti typically enter a dormant phase in winter, the goal is to provide minimal but essential hydration to safeguard their roots. Allowing the roots to remain completely parched for an extended period can lead to tip damage. While cacti can regenerate new roots, this process can be considerably delayed if dehydration occurs, ultimately diminishing their growth potential. Therefore, it's imperative to closely monitor soil moisture levels.

To do this, periodically check the lower layer of the soil. When it nears dryness, consider employing a simple technique: place the potted cactus in a tray with a small amount of water. This method will gently moisten the bottom layer of soil, encouraging the roots to continue seeking water when necessary.

In summary, during the winter months, reduce watering for cacti to mimic their natural rest period. Keep a watchful eye on soil moisture, and when the bottom layer becomes almost dry, use the dish-with-water method to ensure the well-being of your cactus's roots while promoting healthy growth.

Light: Cacti flourish in abundant sunlight, so it's vital to provide them with ample direct sunlight exposure. An ideal spot for your cacti is a south-facing windowsill. Even as cacti become less active and transition to dormancy, they possess remarkable sensitivity to seasonal changes. In their native environments, they are still exposed to light, albeit typically with lower UV intensity than in the summer months. The objective is to replicate the natural habitat conditions for your cacti.

Pruning: To ensure the best outcomes when trimming or grafting cacti, it's essential to undertake these procedures during their active growth phase. This timing ensures that the cacti have absorbed sufficient nutrients and built up the necessary strength to effectively combat diseases. Additionally, performing these activities during the active growth period enhances their ability to form calluses and establish roots efficiently.

Avoid Feeding: During the winter months, it's advisable to refrain from feeding your cacti (excluding winter flowering cacti). These resilient plants typically do not need fertilisation during this period. Instead, reserve the application of fertilisers for the upcoming growing season in spring and summer. This practice is crucial to align with their natural growth cycle and minimise the risk of unhealthy etiolation.

Overwintering Succulents Outdoors

If you have hardy succulents in your garden, you might be wondering how to protect them from the harsh UK winter. Here are some top tips for overwintering succulents outdoors:

Mulch: Apply a good thick layer of mulch around the base of your outdoor succulents. This helps insulate the soil and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Terracotta Pots: If your succulents are in pots, consider moving them closer to the house or into a more sheltered area. Terracotta pots can help regulate temperature fluctuations.
Good Air Circulation: Ensure your outdoor succulents have good air circulation. Avoid planting them too closely together, as this can trap moisture and lead to fungal issues.
Watering: While you should water sparingly, don't forget to check on your outdoor succulents occasionally. If there is an extended dry period during the winter, provide them with a little water to prevent dehydration.

Winter Flowering Cacti

Some cacti, like the Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus, are known for their stunning winter blooms. To encourage flowering, make sure these cacti experience a period of rest with cooler temperatures (around 50-55°F or 10-13°C) for 4-6 weeks before their expected flowering time. After this rest period, resume regular watering and place them in a bright light to enjoy their vibrant blooms in late autumn or winter.

In conclusion, caring for cacti and succulents during the UK winter requires attention to their specific needs. Remember to adjust your watering schedule, provide ample light, and protect your tender plants from frost. With the right care, your succulent garden can continue to thrive year-round, bringing a touch of nature's beauty into your home even in the coldest months. Happy succulent growing!