How to Harden Off Succulents

Set potted succulents outdoors after spring frost danger has passed. Place them in a protected area out of direct sunlight, such as beneath a patio cover or in the shade of trees.

Reduce watering so the succulents only receive enough moisture to keep the soil from drying out completely. Do not fertilize the plants during the hardening-off period.

Leave the succulents outdoors for four hours the first day. Gradually increase the time spent outside daily over a week. As you increase the outside time, also move the plants slowly into an area with more light and wind exposure. At the end of the week, the succulents should be outside all day and receiving the amount of light necessary for the particular plant variety.

Harden off perennial garden succulents beginning eight weeks before the first expected frost. Reduce watering gradually until you are providing about half the irrigation as previously. Minimal water forces the plants into dormancy as the temperatures drop. Most succulents can tolerate temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bring potted tropical succulents indoors before the first fall frost. Accustom the plants to indoor conditions by first placing them on a covered patio or porch where they receive reduced light compared to their previous location. Keep them there for two or three days to help them adjust; then place them in a sunny location inside.