Most succulents thrive in climates that range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but there are some that can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are even some cases of gardeners purposely exposing their succulents to extreme temperatures so that the plants change color.
What is the optimal temperature for succulents?
There are so many different varieties of succulents that there is no exact temperature that would be optimal for all succulents, but the best temperature ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as the temperature of their environment is somewhere within that range, your succulent will grow without any problems and remain healthy.
What is the highest temperature that succulents can tolerate?
The hottest temperature most succulents are capable of tolerating is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that these plants are built to withstand extreme temperatures and are native to some of the most arid regions in the world. These are plants that can be left out in the sun for several hours a day with no problem.
Still, make sure you do not expose them to these high temperatures for extended periods every day, because they may become sun-damaged.
High temperatures are often used by gardeners to manipulate the colors of their succulents. Some succulents undergo deeply accentuated color changes in these situations. However, do not start using high temperatures to manipulate your plant’s colors, especially if you are a beginner. Do your research and gain experience before doing something that could potentially damage your plants.
What is the lowest temperature that succulents can tolerate?
The coldest temperature most succulents are capable of tolerating is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower than this temperature and the plant could freeze and die. The freezing point of most succulents is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the same way that gardeners use high temperatures to change the color of their succulents, they also use cold temperatures to emphasize deep colors and make their succulents even more beautiful. Only experienced gardeners should use this method for extended periods, because you risk harming your plants if you do not know what you are doing.
How can I make sure the temperature for my outdoor succulents is not harmful?
It is difficult to monitor the outdoor temperature for the sake of your plants, but there are things you can do that can help keep your plants safe from extreme weather conditions. It is important to protect your plants from cold temperatures because they can freeze and die. The moment you see ice crystals forming on their leaves, you need to move quickly.
If the temperature outside goes below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cover your succulents with a cloth to keep them warm and just above the optimal temperature range. If your outdoor plants are in planters or pots, transfer them indoors where the temperature is more controlled. Keep them inside throughout the winter and take them out again when spring arrives.
If the temperature outdoors becomes too hot and goes over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you should transfer your plants to a shady spot such as under a tree or under the eaves of your house. You can also take your plants inside and place them near your windows so they still get enough sunlight. If you do not take steps to protect your plants from high temperatures, you will start to notice sun damage and burns on their leaves and roots.
How can I make sure the temperature for my indoor succulents is not harmful?
It is much easier to keep the temperature at an optimal level indoors when your plants are in pots. You will not need to cover the plants with cloth or move the plants around so much. Just make sure that, even if the plants are indoors, you do not leave them near your windows for long periods, because that can be harmful for the succulents.
During the winter, indoor temperatures are easily regulated so your plants will have no problem thriving.
Hardiness zone
The Department of Agriculture developed a guide to 13 different temperature zones, called hardiness zones, which provides information about which winter temperatures various succulents can thrive in.
Level 1 is the coldest zone and level 13 is the hottest temperature zone. The levels are 10 degrees Fahrenheit apart. Based on the succulents you have in your garden, you will be able to determine the highest or lowest winter temperature for your plants so they can remain healthy even with the changing of seasons.
Other countries have also developed their own hardiness zone guides to help determine the best temperature for your succulents.
Does the water I use on my succulents need to be a specific temperature?
There is no specific water temperature you need to use for your succulents; just make sure you do not use water that is too hot or too cold, because that can damage the roots of your plants. As long as the water is at room temperature, that will do just fine.
Conclusion
There is no universal temperature required by all succulents, but the temperature should be somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme temperatures that succulents can tolerate are as low as 40 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If it goes lower than 40 degrees, the plants can freeze and die, and if it goes over 90 degrees, they can sustain sun damage.
If the weather outside is too hot, transfer your plants into a shady spot, and if the weather is too cold, cover the plants with cloth or simply take the plants indoors.
Image: istockphoto.com / lovelypeace