As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can assure you that leaving succulents outside in winter is indeed possible. However, the ability to do so depends on the type of succulent you have. There are two main categories of succulents: hardy and soft varieties.
Hardy succulents are those that are tolerant of frost and cold temperatures. These resilient plants can withstand below-freezing temperatures and are perfect for year-round outdoor growing. In fact, hardy succulents often thrive better when grown outdoors compared to being kept indoors. They have adapted to withstand harsh weather conditions and can handle the fluctuations in temperature that come with the changing seasons.
I personally love hardy succulents because they require less maintenance and can be left outside without much worry. Some common examples of hardy succulents include sedums, sempervivums (also known as hens and chicks), and certain varieties of agave. These plants have thicker leaves and are better equipped to store water, making them more resilient to cold temperatures.
On the other hand, soft succulents are not frost-tolerant and should not be left outside during winter if you live in an area with freezing temperatures. Soft succulents have thinner leaves and are more sensitive to cold and frost. They are better suited to indoor or greenhouse cultivation, where they can be protected from extreme cold. Examples of soft succulents include echeverias, aeoniums, and certain types of haworthias.
Personal experience has taught me the importance of understanding the specific needs of each succulent variety. I once made the mistake of leaving a soft succulent outside during winter, assuming it would be fine like its hardy counterparts. Unfortunately, the plant suffered frost damage and did not survive the cold temperatures.
To summarize the answer to the question “Can I leave succulents outside in winter?”, hardy succulents can indeed be left outside in winter and are even better off outdoors than indoors. They can tolerate frost and below-freezing temperatures. On the other hand, soft succulents are not frost-tolerant and should be kept indoors or in a protected environment during winter. It’s always important to know the specific needs of your succulents and provide them with the appropriate care to ensure their survival and well-being.
