This building is very dry (low humidity), and there isn't a lot of natural light. I was wondering, after watching all these houseplants this summer... Is it possible that these conditions have put a lot of our plants in a dormant state, even during the hot months? It stays cold in here because of air conditioning...

Just a thought?

I think plants have an internal clock. It may be cool in your building but I think they can still see that it is getting darker earlier and before you get there in the morning I am sure the plants notice the sunrise is different. The light and earth signals the plant it is time to rest. Regardless if they are outside or inside. I think they are one with the earth.

My tropical plants that are in the basement and laundry room do not have a noticeable window but every Late Feb - March the plants start to wake up and pop up out of the soil in the pots. I do not dig up my tropicals I keep them all in pots and bring in the pots without disturbing the roots or plants.

Okay that helps me. I just keep wondering if the inside conditions change how much I should water... Especially with my stubborn bunch of succulents. NOTHING I do can keep them alive!

Victoria, succulents are not my major growing interest, but I would think they need lots of light, regardless of the humidity/coolness. Can you supplement some good spectrum, high lumen, fluorescent lighting?

I am the world most non-water. My succulents are in my sun room and I use that word (sun) lightly because my state is usually partly cloudy, partly sunny all winter. If my succulents get a drink more than 3 times they are inside for the winter they count themselves lucky.

I do not know if you think you can do it but I just sprinkle just enough water on top of the soil just to keep the soil from totally drying out. Most people feel they have to water until the water runs out. When I did that through the winter my plants died.

Cinta said:I am the world most non-water. My succulents are in my sun room and I use that word (sun) lightly because my state is usually partly cloudy, partly sunny all winter. If my succulents get a drink more than 3 times they are inside for the winter they count themselves lucky.

I do not know if you think you can do it but I just sprinkle just enough water on top of the soil just to keep the soil from totally drying out. Most people feel they have to water until the water runs out. When I did that through the winter my plants died.

This is my newest tactic... I hope it works!

I think it works because I know they go without a drop in the desert for s very long time.

I think it works because I know they go without a drop in the desert for a very long time.

I am sorry I have a double post here. I was trying to use my smartphone to post. I usually only use the smart phone to find my dumb phone.

Over-watering is what kills the vast majority of epiphytes and succulents. When in doubt, many succulents will actually "tell you" when they need water. Just watch for shriveling of their leaves.

drdawg said:Over-watering is what kills the vast majority of epiphytes and succulents. When in doubt, many succulents will actually "tell you" when they need water. Just watch for shriveling of their leaves.

But do their leaves shrivel when too wet, or no?

Though I don't grow many succulents, in my experience, the shriveling is always due to dehydration, not over-watering. Root/stem rot will be typically seen when you constantly overwater or have a water-retentive potting media.

drdawg said:Though I don't grow many succulents, in my experience, the shriveling is always due to dehydration, not over-watering. Root/stem rot will be typically seen when you constantly overwater or have a water-retentive potting media.

Okay. I am really going to cut water a lot and try only misting them every few weeks if necessary. We'll get this yet

I are on the right track, Victoria. When it comes to succulents, less is better.