Overwinter Garden Plants Indoors: Bring Your Favorites Inside

Gardeners in cold climates know the dread of first frost. But summer's end doesn't mean goodbye to nurtured plants. Many tender perennials, container annuals, and tropicals survive as houseplants until spring. Container plants move easily; even in-ground plants can be dug up, potted, and brought inside.

Plan Ahead for Success

Bring plants indoors before it's urgent. Plants given time to adjust fare far better than those moved abruptly.

• General rule: bring in before night temps dip below 45°F.
• Tropicals: below 50°F.
• Orchids: 55–60°F range.

Acclimation Is Vital

Sudden changes in light, temperature, humidity cause irreversible trauma (yellowing, wilting, partial death).

• High-light outdoor plants → similar light indoors (south window or 16-hour fluorescent).
• To move sun-lovers to dimmer spots: keep in outdoor shade 1–2 weeks before moving in.
• Some leaf drop/yellowing is normal. Trim dead growth, boost humidity, place in bright light—they often recover.

Dormancy for Woody Species

If space is limited, let some woody plants go dormant in a sheltered garage, unheated basement, or shed (20–40°F). Roses, hardy hibiscus, lavender, rosemary, shasta daisy benefit from winter dormancy. Keep pots from drying completely; no light or fertilizer needed.

Trim and Take Cuttings

• Leggy container plants: remove, prune top and roots equally. Scrub pot, add fresh bagged potting soil (not garden soil), replant.
• Take cuttings of annuals (impatiens, begonias, geraniums, coleus). Root easily in water/sand; make attractive houseplants for spring garden planting.

Set the Stage for Winter Blooms

Clean windows inside and out for maximum light. A sunny ledge, shelf across a window, or built-in niche becomes a winter flowering garden. Geraniums, impatiens, begonias are sure bets. Adventurous: Evolvulus, verbena (need very bright sunroom/greenhouse).

Shortlist of garden plants worth overwintering: Abutilon, angel's trumpet, begonia, bougainvillea, citrus (lemons, calamondins, kumquats), coleus, ficus, geranium, hibiscus, impatiens, Mandevilla, passionflower, pentas, rosemary, shasta daisy, all succulents.

Pest Control Before Bringing In

• Inspect and treat infestations/diseases before entry.
• Suspect soil pests? Soak pot in lukewarm water 15 mins to force them out. Exception: Don't soak dormant/semi-dormant plants (succulents, bulbs)—they need dry soil. Instead, repot and cover drainage holes with wire screen.
• Treat with organic all-purpose spray for several weeks, or soap solution for soap-tolerant plants.

Successful Overwintering = Permanent Indoor Plants?

Some experiments succeed so well you may keep garden plants indoors permanently. Diligent trimming maintains compact forms and showcases gorgeous hues.

Three Stars in This Sunroom

• Purple Heart vine (corner): Easy; propagate by sticking cuttings in soil.
• Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) (table): Silver foliage, fantastic decorative touch.
• Abutilon (blooming bush): With pruning and repotting twice yearly, lasts years as houseplant. Prefers cool, dry winter; warm, moist summer.

Key Overwintering Considerations

• Location: Near sunny window. No leaves touching cold glass. Away from drafts and heating vents. Dry winter air is harmful—well-lit bathroom or laundry room (humid) may be best. Brown crispy leaves = low humidity.
• Timing: Bring in before heating starts for gradual acclimation to dry air.
• Care: Mist daily; use pebble tray for humidity. Water only when soil appears dry, but water deeply until drainage. Fertilizer generally not recommended.
• Cautions: Many plants toxic—research which to keep away from kids/pets.