Surviving the Heat - A Comprehensive Guide to Succulent Care in Australia's Extreme Temperatures
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN AUSTRALIA?
Australia's climate varies greatly throughout the eight states and territories; there are four seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north.
Succulents typically need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day to keep themselves thriving. If your succulents do not receive enough sunlight, they could start to wither. You will notice that their leaves become yellowish and they start to sag.
05 COMMON SIGNS THAT INDICATE SUCCULENTS MAY BE EXPERIENCING TOO MUCH HEAT AND SUN.
- Sunburned leaves may produce brown or reddish spots. Adjusting the plant's location to create shade can help prevent additional harm.
- Excessive heat can cause dehydration. If succulents appear wilted or shriveled, it could be due to a lack of water or excessive sun exposure.
- High temperatures can stress succulents, causing them to drop leaves. Check for excessive leaf drop, which may signal the need for a more shady area.
- Intense sunshine can cause succulents to lose their bright color, giving them a pale or bleached appearance. This is a typical indication of sunburn.
- Too much heat combined with overwatering might cause root rot. If the succulent's stems or roots grow soft or mushy, alter the watering schedule and ensure good drainage.
HOW TO CARE FOR SUCCULENTS IN EXTREME HEAT IN AUSTRALIA?
- Watering : Watering on early morning. (Succulents don’t like to be wet when really hot outside.) they will absorb water into their root what they need and keep their root cool. Or late afternoon
- Succulents size: You have to plant succulents in cooler times in the year, when they grow they acclimate to those warmer temperature condition. When succulent size smaller, it cannot bear hot temperature.
- Shade Cover: Placing smaller succulents next to larger succulents will help to provide a natural shade all the time.
- Watering Frequency: It is important to water succulents frequently but need to make sure to allow potting media to dry between two watering cycles.
- Training: Gradually introduce your succulents to the direct sunlight (increasing an hour or so every couple of days), most succulents will tolerate full sun most of the day.
- Healthy roots: Healthy succulent roots store water, resist heat stress, insulate, retain moisture, and adapt, crucial for surviving extreme heat conditions.
MOST HEAT-TOLERANT SUCCULENTS FOR AUSTRALIAN GARDENS
PROTECTING SUCCULENTS IN HOT AUSTRALIAN WEATHER
- Use the Right Soil
- Provide Air Circulation
- Monitor Sunlight
However, once you understand signs of heat stress, preferred heat-tolerant varieties in succulents, and the best care techniques, your succulents will be fine in extremely hot weather. Learning how to manage your succulents during the summer whether you’re in the scorching Australian outback or right on the sunny Gold Coast means that you will be able to maintain that gorgeous, drought resistant garden all year round!
Start protecting your succulents today, and enjoy a thriving collection that withstands the Australian summer! 🌵☀️