I'm worried about my succulents as I'm starting to propagate some leaves now that the weather is improving, but I'm anxious about keeping them alive through the harsh winters here in Northern Italy. The winters are pretty harsh with a lot of cold and rain, and there's not much sunlight. I don't have a grow light setup, and I'm already seeing signs of etiolation and rot. How can I protect my plants during these tough months?
1 Answer
It really depends on the types of succulents you have, but many can tolerate cool temps, though Northern Italy might be on the colder side for some. The good news is cooler weather can slow their growth a bit, which might help with light issues. If you have a south or west-facing window, that could be a good spot for them to survive the winter. Just keep in mind that some succulents can handle temperatures down to 40°F, while others prefer it above 60°F. I grow mine outdoors year-round in California, and they mainly thrive with a good, gritty soil mix and drainage to avoid rot from the rain. Might be worth trying to protect them from heavy rains too!
I'm propagating graptopetalums too, hoping to keep them alive! Thanks for your tips!