If you live in an area with a temperate climate, then you know that winter can be tough on your plants. For succulents, the key to surviving the winter is preparing them for the colder months. With a little bit of TLC, your succulents can survive—and even thrive—during the winter months.

Here’s how to properly prepare your succulents for winter.

Check Your Succulents for Pests

Before you do anything else, it’s important to check your succulents for pests. Although succulents are relatively low-maintenance plants, they can still fall prey to aphids, thrips, and mealybugs. If you notice any pests on your plants, be sure to treat them immediately. neglected succulents are more likely to die during the winter months.

Water Your Succulents Regularly

Succulents need water to survive, but too much water can actually kill them. When preparing your succulents for winter, be sure to water them regularly—but not too much. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. And, if possible, water your plants with rainwater or distilled water instead of tap water. This will help keep your plants healthy during the winter months.

Put Your Succulents in a Sunny Spot

Succulents need sunlight to thrive, so it’s important to put them in a sunny spot during the winter months. If possible, place your plants near a south-facing window where they’ll get plenty of sunlight throughout the day. You may also want to consider using grow lights to supplement the natural sunlight during the shorter days of winter.

Protect Your Succulents From Drafts

During the winter months, it’s important to protect your succulents from drafts. Cold air can damage your plants, so it’s best to keep them away from windows and doors where drafts might occur. If possible, create a makeshift greenhouse for your plants using plastic sheeting or a clear plastic container like a fishbowl or terrarium. This will create a warm, draft-free environment for your plants during the coldest months of the year.

Bring Your Succulents Indoors

If you have a sunny spot in your home, such as a windowsill, that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, that would be an ideal location for your plants. Succulents do not need a lot of water, so you will only need to water them once every week or two. Be sure to empty any drainage tray after watering so that your plants do not sit in water for extended periods of time.

If you don’t have an indoor location that gets enough sunlight, you can invest in grow lights. Grow lights are designed to mimic sunlight and provide plants with the light they need to grow and thrive. You can find grow lights at most home improvement stores or online retailers.

Protecting Your Succulents Outdoors

If you choose to leave your succulents outdoors during the winter months, there are a few things you can do to help them withstand the cold weather. Firstly, make sure that your plants are in a location that gets full sun during the day.

If possible, try to move them closer to your house or another structure where they will be sheltered from strong winds. You should also consider covering your plants with a frost blanket or cloth at night to protect them from overnight frost or freezing temperatures. When using a frost blanket, be sure to remove it during the day so that your plants can get some sunlight.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your succulents all year round. With a little bit of preparation, you can keep your succulents healthy and thriving all winter long.