As temperatures drop and frost starts to threaten, it’s time to bring your outdoor plants inside. But don’t rush it — transitioning from sun and open air to indoor life can shock even the hardiest greenery. With the right prep, though, you can help your plants adjust smoothly, stay healthy, and thrive all winter long.
In this guide, you’ll learn when to bring plants indoors, how to prep them properly, and how to create the right conditions for a stress-free seasonal shift.
Why Plants Need Help Transitioning
Outdoor plants are used to:
- 🌞 Strong natural light
- 🌬️ Fresh air and breezes
- 🌧️ Rain and natural humidity
- 🐜 Soil microbes and insects
Bringing them inside means less light, drier air, less circulation, and a whole new routine. Without a gentle transition, plants can suffer from leaf drop, wilting, slowed growth, or pests.
Step 1: Know Which Plants to Bring In
Not all outdoor plants need to come indoors. Focus on tender or tropical varieties that can’t handle frost or freezing temps.
🌿 Bring these indoors:
- Herbs like basil, rosemary, mint
- Tropical houseplants that spent the summer outside (e.g. monstera, pothos, snake plant)
- Citrus trees in pots
- Succulents and cacti (if temps drop below freezing)
- Flowering plants like begonias, geraniums, coleus
Leave outside or let go:
- Annuals that won’t survive frost
- Large plants rooted in the ground (unless potted or worth overwintering indoors)
Step 2: Start the Transition Early
Begin the process 2–3 weeks before your first expected frost.
Gradual acclimation tips:
- Move plants into partial shade for a few days to reduce light shock
- Then place them just outside a window or door they’ll soon sit near
- Water lightly and reduce feeding to prepare for dormancy
- Avoid bringing them directly from hot sun into a dark corner indoors
This slow shift helps them adjust to lower light and humidity gradually.
Step 3: Inspect for Pests (Don’t Bring in Hitchhikers!)
Before any plant crosses the threshold, give it a thorough inspection.
What to look for:
- Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs
- Fungus gnats or ants
- Eggs on stems or under leaves
- Mold or mildew on soil surface
Treatment:
- Rinse leaves with a gentle hose spray
- Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soapy water
- Spray with neem oil or a safe insecticidal soap
- Quarantine indoors for 7–10 days before placing near other plants
Optional: Repot into fresh soil to start with a clean slate, especially if pests are persistent.
Step 4: Choose the Right Spot Indoors
Match each plant to a spot that mimics its outdoor conditions as closely as possible.
Placement tips:
- Place sun-loving plants (like herbs or citrus) near south-facing windows
- Shade-tolerant plants (like ferns or pothos) do well in indirect light
- Avoid drafty doors, radiators, or heat vents
- Consider a humidity tray or small humidifier in dry rooms
Rotate plants every week or two so they get even light exposure.
Step 5: Adjust Watering and Feeding
Indoor plants use less water in cooler, dimmer conditions — and many go into dormancy.
Cold-weather care:
- Check soil before watering — let the top inch dry out
- Use room-temperature water
- Stop or reduce fertilizing until spring
- Don’t panic if growth slows — it’s natural this time of year
Pro Tip: Succulents and cacti may only need water every 3–4 weeks indoors during winter.
Step 6: Maintain Humidity and Light Indoors
Dry air and short days are the biggest indoor challenges in winter.
How to help:
- Use a humidifier near plants that need tropical conditions
- Group plants together to create a microclimate
- Use grow lights (full-spectrum bulbs) for plants that struggle in low light
- Keep lights on for 12–14 hours a day if natural light is minimal
Dust leaves monthly so they can absorb every bit of light and moisture.
Step 7: Monitor and Be Patient
After the move, check your plants regularly for:
- Wilting, yellowing, or drooping
- Leaf drop (common with fussy plants like ficus)
- Soil dryness or mold
- Signs of pests returning indoors
Be gentle and consistent — it may take a few weeks for your plants to settle into their winter routine.
Overwintering Herbs Indoors
Many herbs can keep producing through winter indoors with the right care:
- Basil → Needs lots of light and warmth
- Rosemary → Prefers cooler air, don’t overwater
- Mint → Can go semi-dormant but bounces back easily
- Thyme & oregano → Keep near sunny windows, water sparingly
Grow on windowsills or under a kitchen grow light for easy access and better flavor all season.
From Patio to Peaceful Windowsill
Bringing your plants inside for winter doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of prep and gentle care, your greenery can ride out the cold months in comfort — and be ready to thrive again come spring.
So grab your gloves, check the weather, and start the transition early. Your plants will thank you with happy leaves and healthy growth, all winter long. ❄️🌿☀️