Tips for Moving Plants Indoors

The end of summer does not have to mean a parting with plants. You can move many of your favorite container tropicals inside, where they’ll survive as houseplants until spring.

Location – Location – Location

Before you move your plants, be sure you have the right location. Most varieties need a bright spot (as most grow in full sun outdoors). They also like extra humidity; indoor air is typically dry and the leaves will turn brown and crispy if there’s not enough moisture in it.
Although most plants prefer a cool location — in the 60s during the day and 10 degrees lower at night — they will tolerate warmer conditions.

Before You Move

A little extra care before you move the plants in will help them cope with the transition. You should always treat the plants and soil for insects before moving inside.
Once pests are under control, acclimate your plants by putting them in a shady spot for a couple of weeks before moving them inside. When you bring them inside, cut them back slightly; this helps control size and encourages new growth that will be better adapted to life indoors. (Repeat the process in spring when you take the plants back outside, to help them acclimate to being outdoors again.)

Winter Care Tips

Once your plants are indoors, water them enough so they do not completely dry out. Remember they do not need as much water as during the growing season. They typically will not need fertilizer, either. Think of their indoor time as a rest period.