Succulents — nature’s little desert jewels — are the darlings of windowsills, offices, and Pinterest boards. With their sculptural shapes and no-nonsense attitude, they seem like the easiest plants on Earth. Until you try bringing them inside for the winter.
Suddenly, the leaves shrivel. The color fades. Mushy spots appear out of nowhere. And before you know it, your once-thriving echeveria is a sad, soggy mess.
So, what gives?
Bringing succulents indoors isn’t just about moving pots around. It’s about understanding their needs, adjusting their environment, and avoiding a few common — and deadly — mistakes. If you’ve ever loved a succulent to death, don’t worry. This guide is here to save your plants and your confidence.
Let’s dive into how to bring succulents indoors without killing them — because they deserve better than becoming compost.
Know Before You Tow — Should You Even Bring Them Inside?
Do All Succulents Need Indoor Care?
Not all succulents are created equal when it comes to winter survival. Some can handle a light frost. Others will drop dead at the first chill.
Ask yourself:
- Do temperatures regularly drop below 40°F (4°C) in your area?
- Is your succulent variety cold-hardy or tropical?
- Is your pot draining well enough to avoid root rot during rainy or snowy seasons?
If the answer to any of those is uncertain — yes, your succulents probably need a cozy indoor spot until spring.
Step-by-Step: How To Bring Succulents Indoors Without Killing Them
1. Start With a Little Housekeeping
Bringing succulents inside without checking them first is like inviting a guest who brought bedbugs. Gross, right?
Here’s what to do:
- Inspect for pests — Check leaves, stems, and soil for aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
- Clean off debris — Gently brush away dead leaves, spider webs, and dust.
- Give them a rinse — A light spray with a gentle hose or shower head will clean pests off naturally (just let them dry fully after!).
2. Transition Slowly (Yes, Plants Get Shocked Too)
Going from full sun to filtered indoor light can shock a succulent into dropping leaves faster than a bad haircut drops your confidence.
Avoid sudden change with this plan:
- Step 1: Move them to a shaded outdoor spot for a few days.
- Step 2: Then bring them into a bright windowsill with filtered light.
- Step 3: After a week or so, move to their final indoor location.
This gradual shift helps them adjust without going into shock.
3. Pick the Right Spot Inside
Not all windows are created equal. Your succulents want sunlight — lots of it. But inside, that’s harder to come by.
Look for:
- South or west-facing windows — They offer the most direct sun.
- Avoid drafts or heat vents — These cause wild temperature swings that can stress your plants.
- Supplement with grow lights — If your home is dark, a full-spectrum LED grow light can be a game changer.
Remember: Succulents don’t want to hibernate indoors — they still need their light fix.
4. Water Like a Desert, Not a Rainforest
This might be the biggest succulent killer of all: overwatering.
When indoors, succulents grow more slowly. They need less water. And with lower light and humidity, soil dries out slower.
Follow these rules:
- Wait until soil is bone dry before watering. Seriously — not just surface dry.
- Use the “soak and dry” method — water thoroughly, then wait until it’s completely dry before repeating.
- Reduce watering frequency — Indoor succulents may only need water every 2–4 weeks in winter.
Still unsure? Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s even slightly damp — don’t water.
5. Skip the Fertilizer (For Now)
Your succulents aren’t trying to bulk up in winter — they’re resting. Fertilizer during dormancy can actually harm them.
Save the plant food for early spring when they’re waking up and ready to grow.
Indoor Setup Tips That Make a Big Difference
Use the Right Pots
If your succulent is in a pot without drainage, you’re setting it up for a slow, soggy death.
Look for:
- Terra cotta or clay pots — They breathe and help wick moisture away.
- Drainage holes — Non-negotiable. Water needs a way out.
- Avoid glass containers or mugs unless you’re using them purely decoratively (with a plastic nursery pot hidden inside).
Soil Matters More Than You Think
Your regular potting mix? Nope.
Succulents want:
- Fast-draining soil — Cactus or succulent mixes are ideal.
- Extra perlite or pumice — Mix in to improve airflow and drainage.
- Avoid peat-heavy soils — They retain too much moisture.
Want a quick homemade succulent mix?
Try this recipe:
- 2 parts cactus mix
- 1 part coarse sand
- 1 part perlite or pumice
Troubleshooting Common Issues Indoors
Why Are My Succulent Leaves Falling Off?
If the lower leaves are dropping, that’s normal aging. But if all the leaves are falling off?
Check for:
- Sudden light change (did you skip the transition step?)
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage or pot with no holes
- Too much humidity
Why Is My Succulent Getting Leggy?
This is called etiolation — your plant is stretching out for light. It’s telling you, “Help! I’m starving for sun.”
Solutions:
- Move it closer to a bright window
- Rotate it every few days for even light exposure
- Add a grow light for 10–14 hours daily
Is My Succulent Sleeping or Dying?
In winter, many succulents enter dormancy. They slow down growth and look a little sleepy — but they’re not dead.
Signs it’s just dormant:
- Leaves stay firm and healthy
- No new growth, but no major leaf loss
- Soil stays dry longer
If it’s mushy or blackened? That’s likely rot, and action is needed fast — trim the rot, repot in dry soil, and hold off watering.
Bonus: Top 5 Succulents That Handle Indoor Life Like Champs
Not all succulents thrive indoors, but these ones generally adapt well:
- Haworthia – Low light, low maintenance, and super cute.
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – Can handle indirect light and forgetful watering.
- Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata) – Striking look, easy care.
- Aloe Vera – Loves a sunny window and doubles as a natural first-aid kit.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Technically a succulent! Tolerates just about anything.
Conclusion: Your Succulents Don’t Have to Die Indoors
Bringing succulents inside for winter doesn’t mean you’re dooming them to slow demise. With a little planning, the right environment, and a touch of restraint (put that watering can down!), your plants can not only survive — they can thrive.
So go ahead. Rescue your succulents from the cold. Give them the winter spa treatment. And come spring, they’ll reward you with bright colors, plump leaves, and maybe even a few new offshoots.
Because keeping them alive? That’s not luck. It’s knowing how to bring succulents indoors without killing them.