Can Aloe Survive Winter? 5 Tips for Keeping Your Plant Alive

Temperatures have divebombed. The winds whistle menacingly through the trees and the sky threatens to cover the roads with fresh, white powder. In the immortal words of the Stark family, winter has come. But does your beloved aloe plant have what it takes to survive this dark, cold season? Keep reading for five tips on how to set your aloe vera plant up for success this winter!

Say ‘Aloe’ to My Little Friend

Aloe vera plants are a type of succulent native to the Arabian Peninsula. However, they can now be found in tropical and subtropical regions all around the world. They are popular among households due to their unique appearance and the fact that they are extremely low maintenance. In addition to being easy to care for and known to help purify air, their striking green leaves provide a variety of great health benefits! Most notably, aloe is famous for its hydrating and soothing qualities, making it a prime ingredient in face creams, lotions, and makeup products.

Can Aloe Survive Winter?

Worried your spiky, little friend won’t survive the winter months? You’re in luck! Your aloe can indeed survive winter! This versatile and hearty plant is easy to keep alive – even if you don’t live in a tropical area. Firstly, if your aloe vera plant typically resides outside, make sure you move it indoors before temperatures drop below freezing. Additionally, make sure your plant is placed in a room with plenty of bright light throughout the day.

Tips for Helping Your Aloe Plant Survive Winter

From succulent soil with great drainage, to the perfect pot, you’ve taken the precautions necessary to keep your little plant thriving all year. While aloe plants are typically easy to care for, it’s important to take a few steps to prepare your little friend for the colder months. Follow these five steps to help your aloe survive winter:

1. Provide Plenty of Light: Sunshine is key for these little plants all year. If moving your plant indoors, make sure they’re placed somewhere they can get six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Reduce Watering: Aloe plants already require very little water. In the summer months, you may only have to water your aloe vera bi-weekly. However, during winter, you’ll likely only need to water you plant once a month.

• Be Mindful of Temperatures: Because these hearty plants prefer warm environments, it’s important to protect them from dropping temperatures. Make sure you don’t place your aloe plant in a room without adequate heat or too close to a window that allows a consistent draft of cold air. Keep your aloe plant in above-freezing temperatures at all times.

• Wait to Feed until the End of Winter: Aloe vera plants already require little fertilizer – even in warmer months. Because they grow less over the cooler months, wait until the end of winter to feed your aloe plant.

• Prune Your Plant: To keep your aloe vera plant healthy, make sure to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased leaves by cutting them at the base with sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Aloe Need Is Love (And Succulents)

Whether you’re new to caring for plants or a seasoned veteran, aloe is a fun and easy option to add a little green to your home. These hearty succulents require very little maintenance and can easily survive the winter months with just a little extra planning for their care. In addition to having a fun appearance, this cute plant helps purify the air in your home and offers a variety of health benefits – especially for your skin! If that doesn’t make it the perfect plant to have indoors while you’re cuddled up and escaping the frigid, winter air, then I don’t know what does. Stay safe and warm!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/klenova