Indoor Winter Gardens: Bring Plants Inside for Cheerier Cold Months

Living in a cold climate with short, dark days and endless winter can be disheartening. Why not take the edge off by tending an indoor garden? Move in outdoor potted plants that wouldn't survive winter, add new ones for cheerful greenery to carry you to spring. More houseplants in winter (with heaters running) clean indoor air and lift spirits. Tips for bringing plants indoors, picking new additions, and bigger projects like sunrooms.

Lauren Liess Interiors

Which plants can you bring indoors? In cold climates, keep potted citrus, ferns, succulents, perennial herbs (rosemary) alive by bringing them in when nights dip into 50s. Some stay out longer—check local nursery for climate/plant-specific advice.

Martha O'Hara Interiors

Conservatories, sunrooms and skylights. Boost winter sunlight with these features. Dedicated sunroom/conservatory perfect for overwintering plants—and with fireplace + insulation, a cozy spot to bask in sunny glow even on coldest days. Skylights boost natural light—appealing where winter days are short/dark. Also help sun-loving plants thrive.

10 Elements of the Perfect Sunroom

Rikki Snyder

Tropical wonders … in New England? Sort of. If another cold winter gives you chills, add lush warm-weather plants: sculptural succulents, delicate ferns, fragrant potted citrus. Almost makes you forget winter outside. Spring: move some outdoors for growing season boost.

Scott Weston Architecture Design PL

Make the indoor move easier. If time allows, move outdoor pots to shadier yard/patio area 1–2 weeks before bringing in. Acclimates to lower light. Buying citrus/large pot now? Invest in castered plant stand—rolling beats lifting.

Scott Edwards Architecture

Prepare your indoor space. Full-sun outdoor plants hardest to keep happy inside. Place near south-facing window for maximum sun. Partial-sun plants: east/west windows. No enough sun? Rig a plant light. All houseplants away from drafty doors/windows, heating vents, radiators.

Art | Harrison Interiors & Collection

Prepare your pots. Before bringing any outdoor plant in, check pot for hitchhiking insects. Thorough method: submerge entire pot in water tub—bugs in soil appear in minutes. If so, repot with fresh soil before bringing in. Not for succulents—they prefer dry.

Spray plants with mild insecticidal soap a few days before moving in—organic-safe, pet/kid safe. No harsh chemicals needed. Some gardeners use pure Ivory liquid soap + water. Spray tops and bottoms of all leaves where bugs hide.

The Interior Edge

Quarantine if possible. First few days indoors, keep new plants separate from other houseplants. Check for insects before they spread. If separate room impossible, keep at opposite room end. Re-spray if bugs appear.

Rikki Snyder

Group plants together. Cheery winter display, but also healthier—grouped plants stay healthier, dry out less. Line windowsill, set up plant stand, or group small pots on gravel-filled tray.

Kohler

Caring for plants in winter. Indoor plants need less water than outdoors. Touch soil before watering—water only when dry. If house gets very dry with heater, add humidity for citrus/ferns: humidifier or occasional plain water spritz.

Tell us: Do you bring plants indoors for winter? Tips to share?