Dormancy

This page is a collection of information that might help succulent and cactus growers understand which plants should be dormant and when.
The intention is to keep tweaking this page as more is learned, please help us refine the quality of the information, input is welcomed.

Introduction

Dormancy is one of the most difficult concepts to learn for newcomers to growing succulents and cactus.
The lists below are not complete, any additional information is welcome.
Note that the list includes mainly genera, there are cases where a species within a genus has the opposite dormancy to the majority in that genus.
Also note that when some plants are grown outside of their native habitat, especially in the opposite hemisphere, they can change their dormancy habits.

WINTER DORMANT (Major growth is in summer)

This group is usually referred to as “summer growers.” They are dormant from November through February (June through September in the southern hemisphere). Many of these will also enter a rest period for a few weeks during the hottest part of the summer (called estivation) before putting on a final burst of growth in September and October (March and April in the southern hemisphere). Genera fitting better in this category include:

SUMMER DORMANT (Major growth is in winter)

Usually referred to as “winter growers” these genera are mostly dormant during the warmer months of May through August (November through February in the southern hemisphere). Their primary growth actually occurs during the autumn and spring while slowing considerably during winter. Genera fitting better in this category include:

Dormancy links

https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/succulent-dormancy-table.