Overwintering Tender Plants: Turning a Sunroom into a Winter Sanctuary

My Florida room—a converted front porch with wraparound windows on three sides—becomes a 75-plant refuge every December. It's not just storage; it's a living conservatory that sustains me through gray months.

Permanent Residents

Year-round: Aglaonema cultivars, blooming Chlorophytum 'Cherita', heartleaf philodendron, satin pothos on the piano, burro's tail cascading from a pedestal, and a curated cactus/succulent collection.

Seasonal Guests (The December Influx)

Plants too precious for the crowded greenhouse: bromeliads (Vriesea ensiformis with flaming swords, Neoregelia spectabilis with painted tips, Aechmea, Billbergia, Cryptanthus, Tillandsia), technicolor crotons (Codiaeum 'Pictum' and 'Aureo-maculatum'), sambac jasmine perfuming the air, speckled hoya, massive Epipremnum, and a prized cut-leaf philodendron cutting from a flower show instructor.

Prep Protocol

1. Hose down every plant—debug thoroughly.
2. Source drip trays for every pot.
3. Protect floors/furniture with waterproof coverings.
4. Arrange by light needs: high-light at windows, shade-tolerant interior.

Winter Care Routine

• Water sparingly—growth slows; root rot is the enemy.
• No fertilizer until March.
• Monitor for pests (mealybugs, scale) weekly.
• Rotate for even light; prune leggy growth.

The Payoff

In January, when the garden is dormant, my Florida room bursts with Billbergia blooms, croton kaleidoscopes, jasmine scent, and the quiet satisfaction of 75 lives sheltered. I've vowed to downsize. I never do. Each plant earns its keep in beauty and sanity.

Editor's note: Originally published date unknown; photos by author.