Succulents are known for growing in hot, dry climates, and they are typically native to drought-prone areas. Most succulents love bright sunshine, warm weather, and parched ground. Winter can be a rough season for succulents as the temperatures start dropping and sunlight becomes more scarce, but as long as these succulents are grown indoors, they will thrive.
Here in Canada, the temperatures vary in different parts of the country. For most parts of Canada, temperature ranges from 20 to 27℃ in the summer and 5 to -25℃.
If you’re growing indoor succulents in Canada, the most important thing to do is place them in a spot where they’ll get plenty of sunlight—typically south- or west-facing windows. Below are a few indoor succulent types that are well-suited for the colder Canadian weather. The ideal temperature for indoor succulents that can be set in your homes is 16℃ to 25℃.
Senecio crassissimus
Senecio plants are a large genus in the daisy family, and they include over 1,000 species. Senecio succulents are known for being beautiful, with distinct colors and appealing foliage. A popular type of Senecio is Senecio crassissimus, or the vertical-leaf senecio. These succulents can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can even withstand light frost, but they will become damaged when temperatures go under -2℃. As an indoor plant, vertical leaf senecios are relatively low-maintenance, which makes themideal for beginners.
Senecio plants should be positioned in a spot where they can get bright light. During the spring and summer, these succulents do well near windows where they can get full sun exposure.During the winter, they should be kept at windows where sunlight is abundant.
Zebra Haworthia
Haworthiopsis fasciata—commonly known as zebra plants—belong in the Haworthia genus and are very easy to care for. With their unique stripe-like speckles, they make attractive houseplants that can bring a quirky flair to rooms. These plants prefer bright light, but should not be put in direct sun. In nature, these succulents can be found hiding from the sun’s direct rays and growing in the shade. When indoors, zebra plants should be placed in rooms where they get an hour of indirect light daily. Ideally, they should get this light in the morning. If leaves start turning yellow or white, you might want to bring your plant to a shadier spot. These are signs the plant has been exposed to too much sun.
Zebra plants like cool temperatures in the winter, but they can’t survive in temperatures below 4℃. They enjoy an average indoor temperature of 18 to 23℃. Haworthia can be watered every two to three weeks; however, these plants don’t need as much water during the winter. In the winter, a little neglict is okay; they should be watered once every two months.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum—also called houseleeks, or hen and chicks—are very hardy and can survive in both hot and cold climates. They can grow in low and high light conditions. These plants don’t require a ton of upkeep and are very easy to care for. This resilient species can endure conditions and circumstances that most other succulents cannot, such as overwatering, underwatering, chilly temperatures, and more.
When indoors, this plant should ideally be placed by a bright window—though low light is also tolerable. In the summer, this type of plant prefers temperatures between 18 to 21℃. During the winter, some species of Sempervivum can survive temperatures down to freezing. Since this plant is so incredibly hardy, it is ideal for chillier northern climates.
Sedum morganianum
Sedum morganianum is also called burro’s tail cactus; however, it is not a type of cacti—it’s a succulent. Although all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Burro’s tail cactus belongs in the Sedum genus. Sedums, known as stonecrops, are native to rocky environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Although they prefer to be put under full sun, they can tolerate the shade. Sedums are known for being incredibly hardy and can withstand an assortment of harsh conditions. Although burro’s tail cactus is part of this genus, it’s known for being more delicate, with leaves that fall easily.
These plants should be placed near a light source where they can get six hours of full sun each day. Burro’s tail cactus should be kept indoors at temperatures between 15 and 20℃.
Hylotelephium
Hylotelephiums, or lime twister sedums, have tiny leaves with a slight yellow border. These plants prefer full sun, but will also survive in shade and low light environments. These plants are hardy in the cold and can survive in temperatures as low as -34 to -1℃. Like other succulents, lime twister sedum can survive in drought-prone environments and don’t need a lot of water, which makes this succulent type incredibly easy to care for.