Which Plants to bring Indoors for Winter

As winter approaches, it's time to think about what to do with your outdoor plants. Some of them won't survive the cold, but you can save them by bringing them inside. In this article, we'll guide you on which plants to move indoors, when to do it, where to put them, and how to take care of them during the winter months. Let's get started on preparing your garden for winter in simple steps.

➤  When to Bring Plants Inside
Timing is crucial. You want to bring your plants inside before the freezing temperatures hit. Here's a straightforward rule: if nighttime temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), it's time to bring them in. As fall progresses and nights hover around 50°F (10°C), start moving your plants indoors.
Tropical plants are extra sensitive and need to come inside even before it gets cold. Try to acclimate them to their new environment well before any frost or freezing temperatures.

➤  Where to Put Your Plants
If you have a greenhouse, that's fantastic. But if space is tight, don't worry. Many plants can handle a dry period, so you can tuck them away under a bench or a shelf.
For plants that need humidity, create a special spot for them. A simple trick is using a pebble tray: put a layer of gravel in a waterproof tray, keep it moist, and place your pots on top. If you have hanging plants, you can use ceiling hooks. Also, make sure your windows are clean inside and out to give your plants enough light.

➤  Which Plants To Bring Inside
Deciding which plants to save can be easy if you follow a few simple rules:
Plants that need a winter break: Some bulbs like Caladiums, Calla lilies, Cannas, Dahlias, and others require a cool, dark place to rest. Stop watering potted bulbs and store them in a cool, dry spot. For bulbs in the ground, dig them up, dry them, and store them in a dark place. Plant them again in the spring.
Plants that keep growing: Many annuals, herbs, and tropical plants can thrive indoors. Examples include Coleus, Geraniums, Fuchsia, and more. Before moving them indoors, get them used to lower light levels. They might lose some leaves during the transition, but they'll bounce back.

➤  Dealing with Pests
Before bringing your plants inside, give them a good rinse and check for any pests. If you find bugs, use insecticidal soap or the right insecticide to treat them. For spider mites and whiteflies, yellow sticky cards can help catch them. Don't forget to check under the pots and containers for hidden pests.

➤  Indoor Plant Care Tips
Taking care of indoor plants during winter is simple:
● Don't over-water: Let the top half-inch of soil dry out before watering again. When in doubt, skip watering. Succulents need even less water.
● Use less fertilizer: Plants don't need much fertilizer in winter due to lower light levels. Save the feeding for spring when they start growing again.
● Consider sharing: If you have too many plants and not enough window space, share them with friends who have room.

➤  Taking Cuttings
Expanding your plant collection is easy with cuttings:
● Find healthy shoots and cut them about 2 to 3 inches below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves and flower buds.
● Put the cutting in sand, vermiculite, or sterile potting mix with at least one leaf node below the surface. You can use rooting hormone if you like.
● Place the cutting in indirect light, keep it moist, and cover it with a plastic bag to keep the humidity up. Roots will grow in one to three weeks, and then you can move the new plant to a larger pot.

➤  Moving Plants Back Outside in Spring
In spring, when your plants start to grow again, move them back outside. Wait until after the last frost and consider repotting them with fresh soil to help them thrive.

In a nutshell, bringing your outdoor plants indoors for the winter is doable with some simple steps. Save your favorites and watch them thrive year-round with a little care and attention.