As the weather cools down and fall sets in, it’s time to think about protecting those potted plants that have been thriving outside all summer.
Trust me, I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long, and my favorite plants didn’t make it through the first frost. Some plants just can’t handle the cold, so bringing them inside before the temperature drops is key to keeping them healthy.
Let’s take a look at nine plants that need to be moved indoors—and how to do it right.
1) Ficus (Fiddle Leaf Fig, Weeping Fig, etc.)
Ficus plants are a favorite in many homes, but they don’t appreciate cold weather.
I once left my fiddle leaf fig outside a bit too long, and it started dropping leaves like crazy! Move your ficus inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
How to Transition: Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light, and cut back on watering since its growth slows in cooler months. Ficus can be a bit fussy, so try to avoid moving it too often once it’s inside.
2) Geraniums
Geraniums bring such bright color to the garden, but when nighttime temperatures fall below 55°F (13°C), it’s time to bring them in.
I’ve saved mine from a frost more than once, and they reward me with blooms even indoors.
How to Transition: Trim back any leggy growth, and give them a sunny spot. They’ll love the light and keep blooming well into fall.
3) Tropical Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are tropical by nature, so cold weather is definitely not their friend. I’ve had to rescue mine a few times after a sudden cold snap!
Move your hibiscus inside when the temperature dips below 55°F (13°C)
How to Transition: Keep it in a spot with lots of bright light, and water consistently to keep it happy through the winter.
4) Spider Plant
Spider plants are super easy to care for, but they won’t survive a frost. I always bring mine inside before it gets too cold, and they thrive indoors during the winter.
How to Transition: Place your spider plant in a spot with indirect sunlight. If the air is dry, mist it regularly or use a humidity tray to prevent the tips from browning.
5) Ferns (Boston Fern, Asparagus Fern, etc.)
Ferns add such a lush, green vibe to any space, but they hate cold weather. One year, I left mine outside too long, and it never bounced back. Don’t make the same mistake!
How to Transition: Bring your ferns indoors to a humid room like the bathroom or kitchen. If you can’t keep the humidity high, mist them regularly or place them on a humidity tray to maintain moisture.
6) Succulents
Succulents might seem tough, but frost is their enemy. I’ve lost a few to the cold before I realized they need to come inside before the first chill hits.
How to Transition: Succulents need lots of bright light, so place them near a sunny window. Water sparingly through the winter to prevent root rot—overwatering is the quickest way to lose them indoors.
7) Begonias
Begonias are sensitive to the cold, and once temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), it’s time to bring them in. I’ve kept mine blooming indoors by giving them just the right amount of care.
How to Transition: Put them in a bright spot with indirect light, and reduce watering as they slow down in growth. They’ll go into a sort of dormancy, so don’t overdo it with the water.
8) Orchids
Orchids are beautiful but delicate. If you leave them outside too long, they’ll suffer from the cold. I learned this lesson the hard way with one of my first orchids.
How to Transition: Move your orchids indoors to a warm, humid area with indirect light. Mist the leaves regularly to keep humidity levels up. Orchids can be picky, but with the right care, they’ll thrive indoors.
9) Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb, but it won’t survive freezing temperatures. I always bring mine inside before the first frost to keep it going through winter.
Plus, it’s great to have fresh rosemary on hand for cooking!
How to Transition: Place rosemary in a sunny window and water when the top layer of soil dries out. Be careful not to overwater—rosemary likes to stay on the dry side indoors.
Tips for Moving Plants Indoors
Before you bring any plants inside, inspect them for pests. There’s nothing worse than finding out you’ve brought bugs into your home along with your plants! I always give mine a good check and rinse them off if needed.
To help your plants adjust, transition them gradually by bringing them indoors for a few hours each day before moving them in permanently. This prevents shock and helps them get used to the indoor environment.
And finally, remember to adjust your watering. Plants need less water indoors during the fall and winter months. The slower growth means they don’t need as much, so be careful not to overdo it.
Conclusion
Bringing your potted plants indoors before the temperatures drop is the best way to protect them from frost and cold damage.
Whether it’s your tropical hibiscus, succulents, or beloved ficus, moving them inside ensures they’ll survive and thrive until spring. Take action before it’s too late—your plants will thank you for it!