As temperatures drop, it’s time to protect your plants from the cold and transition them indoors. Here at Sunnyside, we track the daily lows carefully—tropical plants, houseplants, and most annuals struggle in temps below 45°F. If you want to keep your plants thriving through winter, now’s the time to bring them inside and integrate some of our plant care tips.
At Sunnyside, we encourage using tropical houseplants as accents in summer containers. The good news? These foliage plants are also some of the easiest to transition indoors with the right plant care routine.
3 Essential Care tips for Overwintering Plants Indoors
To successfully move plants inside, you’ll need:
- A sunny window
- A clean pot
- A fresh bag of potting mix
1. Find a Sunny Window
As daylight decreases, low light conditions affect plant care. Plants naturally slow their growth, drop leaves, and require less water and plant food. This is completely normal—so don’t worry if your plant looks different than it did outside!
2. Repot with Fresh Potting Mix
When transitioning plants indoors, repotting them with fresh potting mix is key. This provides nutrients through winter without the need for extra fertilizers. Avoid using garden soil, manure, or topsoil—these can introduce pests and don’t provide the right balance of aeration and drainage. Look for high-quality potting mix to keep your plants happy.
3. Choose the Right Pot
Your pot should:
- Be large enough to fit the plant’s roots with extra space
- Have a drainage hole to prevent root rot
- Include a saucer to catch excess water—especially important if you’re away for a few days in winter!
Bonus Plant Care Tip: Pest Prevention is Key
Before bringing plants inside, check for pests and start a plant care routine to keep insects at bay. Stop by Sunnyside Gardens, and our team can recommend the best insect control products to protect your houseplants all season long.
Need help with plant care this winter? Visit us at Sunnyside Gardens for expert advice and the best supplies to keep your houseplants thriving indoors.
