As the temperatures drop, it's time to transition your favorite plants indoors for the winter. Whether you're nurturing a lush tropical collection like tropical hibiscus or banana trees, or want to overwinter deck planters of other flowering ornamentals, bringing your plants inside takes a little preparation to make sure they thrive during the colder months.
When to Bring Plants Inside: Timing the Transition
Start by watching the weather closely. When nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F, it's time to begin the process. Acclimate plants gradually over about a week, bringing them in for a few hours each day and increasing the time indoors as you go. This helps plants adjust to lower light levels and humidity without the shock of a sudden move.
Repotting and Sanitation
Before bringing your plants inside, inspect them closely for any signs of pests or disease. Repotting is one of the best ways to leave insects behind outdoors. Use fresh potting soil, like Espoma Organic Potting Soil, to give plants a nutrient boost, and choose a new pot with room for root growth.
Sanitize any reused pots to prevent insects and diseases. Wash them with soap and water, soak them for a few minutes in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, then rinse thoroughly. For a step-by-step guide, see Repotting Houseplants: When, Why & How.
Pest Prevention Before Plants Come Indoors
It's a good idea to treat for pests before bringing pots indoors. Consider Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control granules to protect plants from the inside out. If you prefer an organic approach, Bonide Neem Oil Ready-To-Use Spray is an option, although a bit smelly. Thoroughly spray the leaves, stems, and soil to keep bugs away. As always, read and follow the label directions.
Lighting and Placement
Light becomes one of the biggest challenges for your plants once they move inside. Most indoor spaces don't have the light many outdoor plants are used to. Place your plants in the brightest spot you have, ideally near a south-facing window. Supplementing with a grow light, like the Miracle-Gro LED Grow Light with Clamp, during the short days of winter will keep them healthy.
Humidity and Watering
Indoor air is drier, especially once the heat is on. Mist your plants between waterings with a glass mister to keep them happier. Be mindful of your watering routine as well: plants need less water indoors. Overwatering is a common mistake, so check soil moisture about an inch deep regularly and water only when it feels dry. For more on keeping plants healthy all season, read Winter Care for Houseplants.
Quick Checklist: Bringing Plants Indoors
- Watch for nights consistently below 50°F
- Acclimate plants over about a week
- Inspect for pests and disease
- Repot with fresh potting soil
- Sanitize any reused pots
- Treat for pests before moving plants inside
- Choose the brightest spot, ideally a south-facing window
- Add a grow light for short winter days
- Mist between waterings and water less often
Ready for Spring
With these steps, your plants will be well prepared to spend the winter months indoors, thriving until they can return to their outdoor home next spring. Growing mandevilla or dipladenia? See Mandevilla and Dipladenia: How to Grow, Feed, and Overwinter Them for plant-specific tips.
Stop by The Mill's garden center for plant advice, or shop online at themillstores.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I bring my outdoor plants inside for winter?
Start when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F. Acclimate plants over about a week by bringing them in for a few hours each day and gradually increasing the time indoors.
How do I keep bugs out when bringing plants indoors?
Inspect plants closely for pests and disease, repot with fresh potting soil, and sanitize any reused pots. Treating plants before they come inside, with systemic granules or neem oil, helps keep bugs from hitching a ride.
How do I clean pots before reusing them?
Wash pots with soap and water, soak them for a few minutes in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, then rinse thoroughly.
Where should I put plants indoors during winter?
Place plants in the brightest spot you have, ideally near a south-facing window. A grow light helps make up for the short days of winter.
How often should I water plants indoors in winter?
Less often than outdoors. Check soil moisture about an inch deep and water only when it feels dry, since overwatering is a common mistake. Misting between waterings helps with dry indoor air.
