So, you put your beautiful tropical houseplants outside to bask in the spring and summer sun, and now the season is ending. We’ve all been there—staring at our fiddle leaf figs or giant monstera outside, wondering, “Is it time to bring you inside, or can you tough it out a little longer?” It’s that yearly ritual of guessing when to bring your plants inside and trust us, we’ve been there too! The whole process can feel like a lot, from the worry of hurting your plant’s growth to the horror of bringing bugs inside the house.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together this simple guide to make this transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, our tips will help you remember when, where, and how to bring your plants indoors. Let’s get to it!
When to bring outdoor plants inside
When bringing houseplants indoors for winter, timing is everything. They’ve been outside for summer and probably seem to enjoy it in nature. But your plants and the weather quietly signal that the season has ended. Some gardeners wait until the temperatures drop enough to naturally reduce pest activity, while others prefer to bring them in earlier to avoid shocking the plant. Understanding these different approaches ensures your tropical plants stay healthy and thriving throughout the colder months.
Here’s what to look for:
- Temperature drops: Once temperatures start dipping into the 50s, it’s time to mentally prepare for bringing our houseplants inside. Most outdoor plants begin to feel uncomfortable when temperatures consistently fall below 50°F.
- Frost warnings: If frost warnings are in the forecast, act fast! Frost is a major stressor for plants, especially those not built for the cold, so you’ll want to bring them inside before Jack Frost nips at their leaves.
🐝 A buzzworthy tip: Keep things easy and plan to bring your plants inside before night temperatures regularly dip below 50°F. This timing helps your plants adjust without the shock of a sudden weather change. Plus, it gives you a little wiggle room to find the perfect indoor spot without scrambling at the last minute.
Remember, every plant is a little different, so if you’re unsure, bringing them inside early rather than risk a chill is always better.
"I hose down the entire plant when it’s outside and use a neem oil spray and microfiber cloth when inside" — Plant Mama Rach (@plant.mama.rach)
Getting your plants ready for the move
Proper preparation is key to successfully transitioning your outdoor plants indoors for the winter. Here’s how to prepare your green companions for their new environment and address the critical question, “What do I spray on plants before bringing them indoors?” to keep pests at bay.
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Do the "hose and flood" technique:
Imagine your plant is a dirty car, you want to hose off any debris and sus-out stowaways hanging out inside. This is a smart initial step. Follow this up by flooding the pot with water. To give your plants an extra layer of protection, consider flooding the pot with water mixed with 1 ml of Big Leaf Energy concentrate per liter of water. This neem oil emulsion not only flushes out pests and spiders hiding in the soil but is better than neem oil in that it also infuses the plant with the gentle, nourishing benefits of Big Leaf Energy, setting the stage for a healthy transition indoors. -
Pest inspection and treatment:
Follow with a meticulous pest check. Inspect both sides of the leaves and stems for any visible bugs, webbing, or eggs. Don’t forget to examine the soil surface and gently probe it to uncover any hidden pests. Keep a small pot of rubbing alcohol on hand to throw egg sacks in, or soak up a cotton swab for removing nests attached to the leaves and stems. -
Clean and protect:
Before bringing your plants inside, give them a clean slate. Now it's time for a light application of Big Leaf Energy spray to control any remaining pests and promote overall leaf health. This treatment helps keep infestations at bay and boosts your plant’s resilience during the transition. -
Prune and trim:
Give your plants a tidy-up before they move indoors. Prune away any dead or damaged leaves and branches. This reduces mess indoors and encourages your plants to focus their energy on new, healthy growth. A well-trimmed plant is less likely to harbor pests and will adapt more easily to its indoor environment.
Flood the plant pot with 1mL of Big Leaf Energy concentrate per Liter of water to keep pests under wraps before bringing them inside for the winter. When spraying leaves down, use 3mL to 6mL per 16 FL OZ, then wipe carefully with microfiber gloves.
Bring your plants inside smoothly
Bringing your outdoor plants inside isn’t just about moving them from point A to point B—it’s about giving them a smooth transition to their new indoor home. Choosing the right spot and managing this move well can make a world of difference in keeping your plants happy and healthy.
When finding the perfect spot inside, be sure to consider the following:
- Lighting needs: Find a spot that matches your plant’s light preferences. Some plants love basking in bright, direct sunlight, while others are content with a shadier nook. Watch how sunlight shifts through your space to make sure your green friends get their perfect dose of sunshine. Natural lighting can be inadequate indoors, so we always recommend using a supplemental grow light, especially for big-leaf plants.
- Temperature and humidity: Set up a comfy indoor environment for your plants. Most houseplants are happiest in temperatures between 60-75°F and appreciate a touch of humidity. Keep them away from drafts, heaters, or air conditioners, as these can be too much for their delicate sensibilities.
And to manage the transition:
- For a few plants: If you’re bringing in just a few plants, consider isolating each in a separate area for a week or two before fully integrating them into your indoor space. This allows them to gradually acclimate to indoor conditions and helps prevent pests or diseases from spreading to your other plants.
- For many plants: If you’re managing a larger collection, isolating each plant individually might not be feasible. Instead, consider bringing them inside in stages, starting with the most delicate or pest-prone plants. This gradual approach allows your plants to adjust to indoor conditions more smoothly. As a precaution, you can still isolate plants that show signs of stress or pests. Additionally, monitor all your plants closely during the first few weeks to catch any issues early.
Once you’ve found the right spot inside, you’ll want to adjust your watering schedule to match indoor conditions. Plants generally need less water indoors during the winter due to lower humidity, less natural light, and cooler temperatures. Monitor your plants closely and adjust care as needed to keep them thriving.
🐝 A buzzworthy tip: When bringing new plant babies home, choose indoor plant pots to help them adjust smoothly. Always opt for pots with good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots and ensure they’re spacious enough for your plants to grow comfortably.
Common challenges
Even with all the prep and consideration for bringing your plants indoors, moving them inside is like trying to plan an event—there will almost always be a few hiccups along the way! If you notice drooping leaves or the occasional sneaky pest, these are common challenges in the plant parent journey. Let’s dive into handling these issues.
- Change in environment: The air will be different inside your home, it may be more or less humid depending on your particular climate. For example, the heater may cause your plant to dry quickly. Stay alert to the new environment to better assist your plant.
- Shock or sad leaves: If you see your plant’s leaves drooping or showing signs of stress, it’s a sign they’re adjusting to their new digs. Give them time and avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can worsen things. Sometimes, all they need is a little patience to help them bounce back to their usual perky selves.
- Bugs: Indoor pests are sneaky. Regularly check your plants for any signs of unwanted critters and hit the foliage with a few loving sprays of Big Leaf Energy. A clean environment helps, too—keeping your plant area tidy can reduce the chances of pests setting up shop.
- Soil care and feeding: Keep your houseplants thriving by watering them with a solution of Big Leaf Energy—just add 1 mL of concentrate per liter of water. This routine helps manage pests and provides gentle, essential nourishment to the roots. As your plants adjust to their indoor environment and growth slows, remember to reduce fertilizer application to avoid overfeeding, ensuring your plants stay healthy and strong throughout winter.
Your plant’s new home and what comes next
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the overwintering adventure of moving your plants indoors. Now, bask in your plant-parent glory with confidence! With these tips, you can enjoy a lush, thriving indoor haven. Celebrate the little victories and cherish the green oasis you’ve crafted. And remember, what you feed grows.
Recommended
References
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How to overwinter plants. Yard and Garden. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-overwinter-plants. Accessed August 29, 2024.
Darriet F. The bio-interactions between plants, insecticides and fertilizers: an innovative approach for the research of xenobiotic substances. Nat Prod Bioprospect. 2022;12(1):41. Published 2022 Dec 1. doi:10.1007/s13659-022-00360-1
Schmutterer H. Potential of azadirachtin-containing pesticides for integrated pest control in developing and industrialized countries. J Insect Physiol. 2003;49(11):873-882. doi:10.1016/S0022-1910(03)00162-6.