As temperatures drop, many plants that thrive outdoors in warmer months need to be brought inside to survive the winter. However, moving plants indoors too quickly can lead to shock, leaf drop, and pest infestations.
To keep your plants healthy and thriving indoors, follow this step-by-step guide on how to transition outdoor plants indoors for winter. 🌿🏡❄️
1. Why Bring Outdoor Plants Inside for Winter?
🌡 Cold temperatures can damage or kill tropical and warm-weather plants.
🐛 Outdoor pests can multiply if not controlled before bringing plants in.
💧 Indoor conditions (lower humidity and less sunlight) require plant adjustments.
🌱 Protects perennials – Many plants go dormant in winter and need shelter.
🌟 TIP: Any plant that can’t tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) should be brought inside.
2. Which Outdoor Plants Should Be Brought Indoors?
✅ Tropical & Houseplants That Can’t Survive the Cold
✔ Fiddle Leaf Fig – Sensitive to cold and drafts.
✔ Pothos & Philodendrons – Thrive better in stable indoor temperatures.
✔ Peace Lily & Spider Plant – Need warm, humid conditions.
✅ Tender Perennials & Seasonal Outdoor Plants
✔ Geraniums – Can overwinter indoors and regrow in spring.
✔ Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Rosemary) – Won’t survive frost.
✔ Citrus Trees (Lemon, Lime, Orange) – Need warmth and bright light.
🚫 DO NOT bring plants inside if:
❌ They are already dying from frost damage.
❌ They require winter dormancy (some perennials need cold weather to thrive).
🌟 TIP: Start moving plants inside when night temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
3. How to Transition Outdoor Plants Indoors Without Shock
Bringing plants inside too suddenly can cause shock, leading to wilting, leaf drop, or slow growth. Follow these steps to help plants adjust smoothly.
Step 1: Acclimate Plants Gradually (1-2 Weeks)
🏡 Day 1-3: Bring plants inside at night but place them back outside during the day.
🏡 Day 4-7: Keep them inside for longer periods (6-8 hours indoors, then back outside).
🏡 Day 8-14: Keep plants fully indoors and adjust watering as needed.
🚫 DO NOT place plants near heaters, vents, or cold windows—sudden temperature changes can stress them.
Step 2: Check for Pests Before Bringing Plants Indoors
🐛 Outdoor plants can carry pests like spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Before bringing them inside:
✅ Inspect Leaves & Stems – Look under leaves for tiny insects or webbing.
✅ Wash Leaves Gently – Rinse plants with water or use a mild soap solution.
✅ Check the Soil – Remove dead leaves or any visible bugs.
✅ Use Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap – Treat plants with natural pest control.
🌟 TIP: Quarantine new plants for 1-2 weeks before placing them near other houseplants!
Step 3: Repot If Necessary
Some outdoor plants may need a new pot with fresh soil before moving inside.
✔ Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting:
✅ Roots growing out of drainage holes.
✅ Soil is compacted and drains poorly.
✅ The plant is too large for its current pot.
🌟 TIP: Use well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot indoors.
Step 4: Adjust Watering & Humidity Indoors
💦 Plants need less water indoors because of lower light levels and slower growth.
✅ Water only when soil feels dry (use the finger test).
✅ Mist tropical plants (like ferns and calatheas) to maintain humidity.
✅ Use a humidity tray or humidifier if indoor air is dry.
🚫 DO NOT overwater! Root rot is the most common issue when moving plants indoors.
Step 5: Provide Proper Light for Indoor Survival
🌞 Outdoor plants are used to bright sunlight, but indoor light is weaker.
✔ Place plants near the brightest window (south-facing is best).
✔ Rotate plants every 1-2 weeks for even light exposure.
✔ Use LED grow lights if your home doesn’t get enough natural light.
🌟 TIP: If leaves turn yellow or start dropping, the plant may need more light!
4. Special Care Tips for Overwintering Outdoor Plants
🌿 Herbs & Small Potted Plants
✔ Keep near a sunny kitchen window for fresh use.
✔ Trim regularly to prevent overgrowth.
🌴 Large Plants (Citrus Trees, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Palms)
✔ Place in a warm, bright spot away from cold drafts.
✔ Rotate the plant weekly to promote even growth.
🌵 Succulents & Cacti
✔ Water once a month—they go dormant in winter.
✔ Keep in a bright, dry area with low humidity.
🌟 TIP: Some plants go semi-dormant indoors—if growth slows, don’t worry!
5. What to Do If Your Plant Shows Signs of Stress Indoors
🚨 Leaf Drop? – This is normal during the transition; avoid moving the plant too much.
🚨 Brown Leaf Tips? – Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
🚨 Yellowing Leaves? – Adjust watering; too much or too little water can cause this.
🚨 Wilting? – Make sure the plant is not near a heat vent or drafty window.
🌟 TIP: Be patient! Plants may take a few weeks to adjust to indoor conditions.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Plants Indoors
🚫 Bringing in Pests – Always inspect and clean plants before moving them inside.
🚫 Skipping Acclimation – A sudden move from outdoor to indoor conditions shocks plants.
🚫 Overwatering Indoors – Plants need less water inside due to lower light and slower growth.
🚫 Placing in the Wrong Light – Match plants with proper lighting to prevent stress.
🌟 TIP: Keep a plant care journal to track how well each plant adapts indoors!
7. Final Thoughts
Transitioning outdoor plants indoors protects them from cold weather and keeps them healthy year-round. By acclimating slowly, checking for pests, adjusting watering, and providing proper light, your plants will thrive indoors all winter long!
🌿 Winter Plant Care Checklist:
✔ Acclimate plants gradually over 1-2 weeks.
✔ Inspect for pests & treat if needed before bringing inside.
✔ Use well-draining soil & pots with drainage holes.
✔ Adjust watering & humidity levels to match indoor conditions.
✔ Give plants enough light or use grow lights if needed.
With the right care, your outdoor plants will stay happy indoors until it’s time to move them back outside in spring!
🌟 Ready to bring your plants inside? Start preparing now for a smooth transition!