How to Overwinter Your Plants Indoors

As the temperatures start to dip, it's time to think about saving some of your favorite plants from the cold. Whether it’s tropical plants, herbs, or flowering beauties, many of them can thrive indoors over the winter with just a little extra care. Let’s dive into which plants to bring inside, how to prep them, and when to move them back outdoors!

Which Plants Should You Overwinter?

1. Tropical Plants
   Tropical plants like hibiscus, philodendrons, and bougainvillea hate the cold. Since they’re used to warm climates, they won’t survive freezing temperatures. Bringing these plants indoors is a must if you want them to thrive again next year.
   Sun Requirement: Bright, indirect light. Place near a sunny window with filtered sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

2. Herbs
   Herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme can be grown inside, ensuring you have fresh flavors for your cooking all winter long. Bonus: most herbs do well in pots, so moving them indoors is a breeze!
   Sun Requirement: Herbs need direct sunlight, ideally 4-6 hours a day. A sunny windowsill works perfectly!

3. Flowering Plants
   Plants like tender geraniums that are sold as annuals, begonias, and fuchsias can also be overwintered. These flowering beauties may lose their blooms indoors but will burst back to life once they’re moved outside again in the spring.
   Sun Requirement: Flowering plants need bright, indirect light. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of light near a sunny window. (If you don't have sun for that period of time, not to worry! I've kept geraniums alive even though they didn't flower a lot all winter).

What to Check Before Bringing Them Indoors

Bringing plants indoors means bringing in a little bit of the outdoors—so you’ll want to make sure you’re not inviting pests inside. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Inspect for Pests: Look for bugs on leaves, stems, and in the soil. Treat any infestations before bringing plants inside.

• Prune Away Dead Growth: Snip off any dead or yellowing leaves, and give your plants a little trim. This helps them thrive indoors.

• Repot If Necessary: If the roots are crowded, consider repotting your plant into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Caring for Your Plants Indoors

Now that your plants are inside, here are a few tips to keep them happy:

• Light: Tropical and flowering plants love light, so place them near a sunny window where they’ll get at least 6 hours of daylight. Herbs can get by with less, but a sunny kitchen windowsill is ideal.

• Watering: Plants need less water during winter. Check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

• Humidity: Indoor air can be dry, especially in the winter. Use a humidity tray or mist your plants regularly to keep them thriving.

When to Move Them Back Outside

Once the temperatures rise consistently above 50°F (10°C), it’s safe to start moving your plants back outside. Slowly acclimate them by placing them in a shaded area for a few days before moving them into full sun. This will help them adjust without getting shocked by the sudden change in temperature and light.

Overwintering your tropicals, herbs, and flowering plants is easier than you think. With a little prep and TLC, you’ll be rewarded with thriving plants come springtime!e in temperature and light.

Happy Gardening!