Five ways to help transition outdoor plants indoors
When moving potted plants indoors for the winter, some leaf drop is natural as they adjust to the new environment. Check out five tips below to help make a smooth transition indoors.
1. Bring plants indoors before temperatures drop
To minimize leaf loss and help plants thrive, start by bringing them inside before nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). Sudden exposure to cold can stress plants, increasing the chance of leaf drop. See the chart below for a list of plants to keep an eye on in fall and the outdoor temperatures (°F) at which you should bring them in.
| Before 45° F | Before 35° | Before 25° |
|---|---|---|
| Banana (Musa hybrids) | Flowering maple (Abutilon hybrids) | Fig (Ficus carica) |
| Begonia (Begonia hybrids) | Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa hybrids) | Nemesia (Nemesia hybrids) |
| Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) | Lantana (Lantana camara) | Osteospermum (Osteospermum hybrids) |
| Coleus (Plectranthus scuttellarioides) | Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis) | Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) |
| Cordyline (Cordyline hybrids) | Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) | Twinspur (Diascia integerrima) |
| Elephant ear (Alocasia hybrids) | ‘Myersii’ Geranium (Pelargonium hybrids) |
2. Avoid pruning, repotting, or fertilizing
Avoid additional stressors by holding off on pruning, repotting, or fertilizing until the following spring when you can move plants back outdoors. These actions can disrupt the plant's adjustment period and make it harder for them to settle into their new indoor environment.
3. Inspect for insects before bringing outdoor plants indoors
Before bringing any plants inside, inspect them thoroughly for insects on stems and leaves. If you see pests, treat the plants with an insecticidal soap or other appropriate solutions. It’s also helpful to soak pots in a tub of water briefly to flush out soil-dwelling bugs like pill bugs and earwigs. Even if you don’t find insects, separate plants that spent the summer outdoors from your other houseplants for a couple of weeks as a precaution.
4. Water moderately to avoid root rot
Once indoors, water the plants regularly, keeping the soil barely moist. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Indoor conditions are often less humid than outdoors, so monitor the soil's moisture to maintain a balance.
5. Expect reduced light and slower growth
The most significant challenge for plants indoors is the reduced light. Even in the sunniest indoor spot, light intensity is much lower than outdoors. To adjust, plants will slow their growth, which can lead to some leaf drop. This is a natural response, and with proper care, your plants should remain healthy through the winter.
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