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As temperatures start to drop and winter approaches, it’s time to bring your outdoor potted plants inside to protect them from the cold. Transitioning plants indoors requires careful preparation to ensure they stay healthy and avoid shock. By following these steps, you can help your plants adjust to their new indoor environment and thrive all winter long.

1. Assess Which Plants to Bring Indoors

Not all outdoor plants need to be brought inside, so the first step is deciding which ones should make the move. Many tropical plants, herbs, and houseplants that spend the summer outdoors will need to be brought inside before the first frost.

• Tropical plants: Plants like hibiscus, ficus, and palms cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be brought indoors once nighttime temps drop below 50°F.
• Tender perennials: Herbs like basil and rosemary, along with tender plants like geraniums, begonias, and fuchsias, should be moved inside before the first frost.
• Plants to leave outdoors: Hardy perennials and shrubs can usually withstand cold weather and can stay outside through the winter.

Evaluate each plant based on its cold tolerance and indoor adaptability.

2. Check for Pests Before Moving Indoors

Outdoor plants often harbor pests that can spread to your indoor plants if not addressed. Before bringing any potted plants inside, thoroughly inspect them for bugs and diseases.

• Inspect leaves and stems: Check both the tops and undersides of leaves for aphids, spider mites, or other pests. Look for webbing, holes, or discolored spots, which may indicate a pest problem.
• Examine the soil: Gently dig into the top layer of soil to check for bugs like ants or soil-dwelling pests. Insects often hide in the soil and can come indoors with your plants.
• Clean leaves: Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and any insects you find. For larger infestations, consider using a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Taking the time to carefully inspect and clean your plants will prevent pests from becoming a problem once they’re inside.

3. Treat for Pests and Diseases

Even if you don’t see any pests, it’s a good idea to treat your plants with a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil before moving them indoors. This will eliminate any hidden pests and prevent infestations.

• Spray with insecticidal soap: Apply a natural insecticidal soap to the entire plant, focusing on the undersides of leaves where pests like to hide. Repeat every few days for a week before moving the plant indoors.
• Rinse plants: For plants that can handle it, you can rinse them off with water from a hose or shower. This helps dislodge pests and clean the leaves.
• Quarantine: If possible, quarantine your plants in a separate room for a couple of weeks after bringing them inside. This allows you to monitor them for any lingering pests before placing them with other indoor plants.

Proper pest control will keep your indoor environment pest-free and help your plants adjust to their new surroundings.

4. Gradually Acclimate Plants to Indoor Conditions

Moving plants from the bright, airy outdoors directly into an indoor environment can cause shock. To minimize stress, it’s important to acclimate them slowly to their new conditions.

• Move plants to shade: A week or two before bringing plants inside, start by moving them to a shadier spot outdoors. This helps them adjust to lower light levels.
• Reduce watering: Gradually reduce the amount of water you give your plants in the weeks leading up to the move. Indoor conditions are typically more humid, and plants will need less water once inside.
• Move plants indoors in stages: If possible, move your plants indoors gradually. For example, bring them in during the night and put them back outside during the day for a few days. This helps them acclimate to indoor temperatures more smoothly.

By transitioning plants slowly, you’ll reduce the risk of leaf drop or other signs of stress.

5. Choose the Right Indoor Location

Once inside, your plants will need to be placed in the right location to thrive. Most outdoor plants will need bright, indirect light to stay healthy indoors.

• Find a sunny spot: Place plants near a bright, south-facing window where they’ll get plenty of light. If natural light is limited, you may need to supplement with grow lights.
• Avoid drafts and heaters: Keep plants away from drafts, heaters, and radiators, which can cause temperature fluctuations and dry out the plants.
• Monitor humidity: Indoor air tends to be drier, especially in the winter. To maintain humidity, consider using a humidity tray (a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles) or misting your plants regularly. Alternatively, you can place them near a humidifier.

Proper placement will help your plants adjust to the indoor environment and continue growing healthily.

6. Adjust Watering and Feeding

Indoor plants typically need less water than outdoor plants due to lower light levels and reduced evaporation. It’s important to adjust your watering habits accordingly.

• Check soil moisture: Always check the soil before watering. The top inch or two should be dry before watering again. Overwatering is a common issue for indoor plants, so be cautious.
• Water sparingly: Most plants will need less water indoors. Start by watering once every 7-10 days, adjusting based on how quickly the soil dries out.
• Reduce feeding: Since most plants grow more slowly indoors during the winter months, cut back on fertilizing. You can stop feeding altogether or use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks.

Carefully monitoring water and feeding needs will help prevent root rot and other issues common with indoor plants.

7. Prune and Repot if Necessary

Before moving your plants indoors, take the opportunity to prune back any dead or damaged growth and assess whether they need to be repotted.

• Prune dead or damaged leaves: Trim off any yellowing or dead leaves to improve the plant’s appearance and overall health.
• Check roots: If the plant is root-bound (roots circling the bottom of the pot), it’s a good idea to repot it into a slightly larger container before bringing it inside.
• Refresh the soil: If the soil looks depleted or compacted, consider refreshing the top few inches with new potting mix to provide extra nutrients.

Pruning and repotting will give your plants a healthy start indoors and encourage new growth in the spring.

8. Monitor Your Plants Indoors

After transitioning your plants indoors, it’s important to keep a close eye on them for the first few weeks.

• Watch for signs of stress: Common signs of stress include leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting. If your plant shows these signs, it may need more light, less water, or a different location.
• Adjust as needed: Indoor conditions can vary, so be prepared to move your plants to different spots or adjust your care routine based on how they respond to their new environment.

Regular monitoring will help you catch any problems early and make necessary adjustments.

Final Thoughts

With the right preparation and care, your outdoor potted plants can thrive indoors all winter long. By gradually acclimating them, addressing pests, and providing the right environment, you’ll protect your plants from cold weather and ensure they stay healthy until it’s time to move them back outside in the spring. Following these steps will make the transition smoother for your plants, giving them the best chance to continue growing indoors.