Bringing Plants Inside for Winter

Q:  I have a hibiscus, spider plant, coleus and several other tropical plants that have spent the summer outdoors.  Do I need to do anything to prepare them for spending the winter indoors?

A:  Houseplants that have spent the summer outdoors inevitably collect a population of insect pests that would be happy to spend the cold winter inside feeding and reproducing in the warmth of your home.  Begin preparing your plants for indoor transition early and well before the first frost.  Early September is perfect. 

Inspect all plants for pests such as aphids, spider mites, slugs or mealybugs. Pay close attention to both the top and undersides of leaves, stems, and soil. Treat any infestations before bringing the plants inside.  Once inside, monitor your plants weekly for any signs of insect pests. 

If your plants have outgrown their pots or seem root-bound, consider repotting them into slightly larger containers. This provides room for continued growth and can help reduce stress during the indoor transition. Use fresh, high-quality potting mix to repot your plants.

Continue to feed your plants. Tropical plants grow year round and will benefit from regular, dilute fertilizer applications throughout the winter months.