Okay, folks, let’s dive into my little succulent experiment! I’ve always loved these cute little plants, but I’ve also killed my fair share. So, I decided to get serious and figure out this whole temperature thing.
My Succulent Temperature Test
First, I grabbed a few different types of succulents. I think I had an Echeveria, a Sedum, and a couple of those spiky Aloe-looking ones. I’m not very good with their names, you know.
Then, I set up a few different zones in my backyard. One spot gets blasted with sun all day, another is mostly shady, and the last one is kinda in-between. My place is in a zone where summers are quite hot, and winters have mild frost.
I also picked up a cheap thermometer, the kind you stick in the ground. I needed to know how hot and cold it was actually getting out there. I use some old pots I found in garage.
Over the next few months, I kept a close eye on everything. I jotted down the temperature readings a few times a week, especially when it got really hot or really cold. I also made notes about how the plants were looking.
- The Sun Lovers: The ones in full sun did great during the spring and fall. Temperatures were usually between 70-90°F (21-32°C). They looked plump and happy. But in the dead of summer, when it hit over 100°F (38°C) a few times, some of them started to look a little crispy around the edges.
- The Shade Dwellers: The succulents in the shade were okay, but they didn’t grow as much. They seemed to tolerate the heat better, but they also looked a little stretched out, like they were reaching for more light.
- The In-Betweeners: These guys seemed the happiest overall. They got enough sun to grow well, but they were also protected from the scorching heat.
When winter came around, I was nervous. We had a few nights that dipped below freezing, around 28-30°F (-2 to -1°C). I covered some of the plants with a frost cloth, just to be safe.
Guess what? The ones I covered did fine! The uncovered ones… well, some of them turned to mush. It was a sad sight. But a few of the tougher ones, like the Sedum, actually survived without any protection!
What I Learned
So, after all that, here’s what I figured out:
Most succulents are pretty happy between 60-90°F(15-32°C). Some can handle hotter temperatures, but they might need some shade. Almost all of them need protection from freezing temperatures. I learned it the hard way! If it will be freezing for a long time, It’s better to bring them in room.
It’s not rocket science, really. Just pay attention to your plants, check the weather, and don’t be afraid to move them around if they look unhappy. That’s what I am gonna do from now on!
