VISTA, CA — Autumn is here, that crisp, sweater-weather time of year when the heat abates and leaves change color to jaw-dropping effect. That goes for the foliage of many succulent plants too.
It may not be an identical transformation to that of an aspen or sugar maple, but the leaves of many succulents blush to brilliant effect beginning in fall, thanks to the seasonal dip in temperatures. Exactly when depends on location.
As the No. 1 grower of succulents in the world, San Diego County-based Altman Plants enjoys having a front seat each year to the massive progression of color that takes place on its growing grounds.
Fall is also the time when winter-growing succulents such as aeoniums perk up and exit summer dormancy. Gardeners can whip their winter growers into shape by trimming overgrown or seen-better-days sections. Sprucing up other succulents is a super idea as well, along with tidying up mulch and any leaf litter and inspecting for pests.
It's also not too early to think about winter care. While succulents, including cacti, are often associated with warm climates, there are many varieties that can withstand quite cold winter weather. Below are some tips for enhancing cold tolerance.
- Establish root systems several months before the first frost, as early as the prior spring.
- Plants in the ground versus containers are better able to tolerate cold temperatures.
- Use a covering such as a tarp, newspapers, frost cloth or blanket to protect exposed plants.
- Plants near south-facing structures or heat-radiating elements such as rocks and boulders will receive more sunlight and protection.
- The slightest cover, such as an eave or tree branch, will provide some frost protection.
Altman Plants offers a variety of succulents, including those that blush in cool weather and those that tolerate frost, at cactusshop.com (wholesale) and shopaltmanplants.com (retail).
Source: Altman Plants
