When temperatures start to drop and the first frost looms on the horizon, it’s time for gardeners to act fast. While some plants are hardy enough to survive freezing temperatures, many popular outdoor varieties can suffer serious damage or even die if left outside during winter.
If you love your container plants and want them to thrive
year after year, here are six types of outdoor plants you should always
bring indoors before winter hits — and expert tips on how to help them adjust
to their new indoor environment.
1. Tropical Plants (Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Bird of
Paradise)
Tropical plants are among the first to feel the chill when
temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). These beauties thrive in warmth and
humidity but quickly wilt in cold air.
Why they need protection:
Their cell structure and root systems can’t tolerate frost — even one cold
night can damage leaves and stems.
How to overwinter them:
- Bring
them indoors before the first frost.
- Place
in a bright, sunny window (6–8 hours of light daily).
- Water
moderately — keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
- Mist
occasionally to maintain humidity.
Expert tip: Prune back overgrown branches before
moving them inside to prevent stress and make space indoors.
2. Tender Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Mint, and Rosemary)
While some herbs like thyme and sage can handle cool
weather, others such as basil and parsley cannot survive freezing
temperatures.
Why they need protection:
Their delicate leaves and stems freeze easily, halting growth and killing the
plant.
How to overwinter them:
- Pot
herbs in containers if they aren’t already.
- Place
them in a sunny kitchen window or under grow lights.
- Trim
regularly to encourage new growth.
- Keep
soil lightly moist — not too wet, as overwatering leads to root rot.
Expert tip: Mint and rosemary often thrive indoors
through winter, giving you fresh herbs all season long.
3. Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are drought-tolerant, but that doesn’t
mean they love the cold. Many can’t handle frost, especially varieties like
echeveria, aloe vera, and jade plants.
Why they need protection:
Their fleshy leaves store water, which can freeze and rupture in cold
temperatures.
How to overwinter them:
- Bring
them indoors before night temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C).
- Keep
them in a bright window with plenty of indirect sunlight.
- Water
sparingly — once every 3–4 weeks is usually enough.
Expert tip: Avoid misting succulents; dry indoor air
is better than cold, damp soil.
4. Geraniums (Pelargoniums)
Geraniums are classic container plants that bloom
beautifully all summer but are highly sensitive to frost.
Why they need protection:
They’re not frost-tolerant and will die back if exposed to freezing
temperatures.
How to overwinter them:
- Trim
the plant back by one-third before bringing it inside.
- Place
in a bright window or under grow lights.
- Water
when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Expert tip: You can also take geranium cuttings
and root them indoors to start fresh plants for spring.
5. Tender Perennials (Begonias, Coleus, and Caladiums)
These colorful foliage plants can’t handle frost but can
live for years if overwintered properly.
Why they need protection:
Begonias and caladiums have tender leaves and tubers that rot easily in cold,
wet soil.
How to overwinter them:
- Dig up
tubers or bring potted plants indoors before the first frost.
- Store
tubers in a cool, dry place or keep pots in a bright indoor spot.
- Water
sparingly during dormancy.
Expert tip: For coleus, take stem cuttings before
frost and grow them as houseplants over winter.
6. Houseplant Hybrids and Ornamental Foliage (Ferns,
Palms, and Ficus)
Many gardeners keep ferns, palms, and ficus trees
outdoors in summer to soak up the sun — but they must return inside before
temperatures fall below 55°F (13°C).
Why they need protection:
Cold air can shock tropical houseplants, causing leaf drop and stunted growth.
How to overwinter them:
- Bring
indoors gradually — start by moving them to a shaded outdoor area for a
few days before bringing them in.
- Place
near bright, indirect light.
- Maintain
humidity with a humidifier or by grouping plants together.
Expert tip: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove
dust and prevent pests from coming indoors.
Before Bringing Plants Indoors: A Quick Checklist
✔️ Inspect for pests such as
aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies.
✔️
Trim dead or damaged leaves to reduce stress.
✔️
Clean pots and saucers to prevent soil-borne diseases.
✔️
Gradually acclimate plants to indoor light to prevent shock.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your outdoor plants indoors before winter isn’t
just about saving them from the cold — it’s about preserving their beauty
and vitality for the next growing season. With a bit of preparation and
care, you can keep your favorite tropicals, herbs, and flowering plants
thriving until spring returns.
As gardening expert Linda Chalker-Scott from
Washington State University notes, “Overwintering is not difficult; it’s simply
a matter of understanding your plant’s natural rhythm and protecting it from
what it cannot handle.”
So before the frost hits, take a little time to bring your
green friends inside — they’ll reward you with lush growth and vibrant life
when the warm weather comes back. 🌿
References
- Royal
Horticultural Society (RHS) – Bringing Plants Indoors for Winter Care
- University
of Minnesota Extension – Overwintering Container Plants
- Better
Homes & Gardens – How to Keep Outdoor Plants Alive Indoors During
Winter
- Washington
State University Gardening Blog – Overwintering Tender Perennials
