Bring Tropical Houseplants Indoors for Winter
Protect your collection by moving tropicals indoors when nights drop to 50 to 55°F. A careful pest check and slow transition keep plants stress-free. Succulents and cacti can handle cooler nights down to 45°F. Acclimation timing varies, with some suggesting about a week and others recommending one to two weeks.
What you need
- Houseplants
- Soft cloth
- Pest treatment
Steps
- Move tropical plants indoors before night temperatures fall below 50 to 55°F. Succulents and cacti can stay out until nights reach 45°F.
- Shift plants to a shaded area before bringing them inside. Duration varies; some recommend about a week, while others suggest a gradual transition over one to two weeks to ease the change.
- Check the tops and undersides of leaves, stems, and soil for bugs, webbing, or eggs before plants enter the house.
- Wipe leaves and pots to remove dust and grime, which can block light and harbor pests.
- Reduce watering since growth slows indoors. Boost humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers. Avoid repotting unless the plant is root-bound.
Why it works
Temperature sensitivity
Tropical plants suffer damage in cold air, so moving them in protects against chill.
Pest prevention
Early detection stops infestations from spreading to other indoor plants.
Light absorption
Removing dust and grime helps leaves absorb light more efficiently indoors.
Transplant stress
Fall repotting can stress plants that are slowing down and may not recover well.
Shock reduction
Gradual moves help plants adjust to lower light and temperature levels to prevent leaf drop.
Root health
Growth slows indoors, so less water prevents overwatering and root rot.
Humidity needs
Indoor air can be very dry; extra humidity helps maintain plant health.
Related on Gardeners Bible: Bring Houseplants Inside for Winter, How to Divide Perennials in October, How to Plant Spring Bulbs for a Full Season of Color, Sow Fast-Fall Vegetables in October for Spring Harvests.
If it goes wrong
Pests detected
Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellow sticky traps are another option. Choose the method that fits your situation.
