How to Move Your Plants Safely Indoor for the Winter

Tropical houseplants thrive during summer when you place them outdoors. The warm and perfect humidity is excellent for these large and green plants. The changing of the weather equals a different approach to gardening. These plants that grow in tropical areas need to be moved indoors because the weather becomes too cold for them.

Best Tips on How to Move Your Plant to Face Wintertime 

Summer passed and you are slowly transitioning to winter. Even the breezy springtime can be cruel to some of these greeneries. Remember, you can’t make a sudden change. You can just take them from their spot and place them indoors. 

Such action may cause these plants to drop leaves and even die out. So, set your strategies well-planned before putting them inside the house. Here are some tips to move your plants from outdoors to indoors safely before winter. 

1. Monitor the Temperature

The Seasons change gradually, and there is no fixed date on when spring comes. There are places where you can spot leaves falling down but maybe not in your home just yet. So, check on a daily basis the temperature inside and outside of your home. 

You also may want to monitor the temperature during the day and night, usually, the temperature is quite low after dark. You need to put your tropical plant indoors before the temperatures get below 45°F. You may encounter some damage if the temperature gets colder. 

You can put your plant on the porch where it is slightly warmer when you realize the temperature gradually becomes colder. The tropical house plant can probably go back and forth from the porch at night and spot on the sun during the day. However, moving them too often can be too risky and too much work, especially if you have many plants. 

2. Get Rid of Pests

You are exposing your tropical botanical plant with warmth by placing them outdoors and under the sunlight. At the same time, you also expose them to pests. While, it may be ok to have scales, aphids, and spider mites on your plant when it is outside. 

Before moving them inside, you need to inspect the leaves, branches, and pots for any unwanted pests. You want to turn all the leaves and check the undersides for any pests. Don’t forget to also examine the stems. You can use insecticidal soap or maybe spray the plant with water to drive the pest away.

3. Acclimate Mode

You have to check the temperature and take care of the pests. Allow the plant to rest and pay a close monitor on them before really allowing them inside the house. You can acclimate your plants by putting them under the shade with low light levels. 

A couple of weeks in a dim area can make your plant accustomed to the change. At this time, it is also a good phase to ensure one more time if the plant is free of pests completely or not. You can trim the dead leaves, and make the pest go away during this time. 

4. Water and Fertilizer

Tropical plants need less water and fertilizer in cold weather. Therefore, gradually reduce your watering composition and also fertilizer before putting the plant indoors. Your plant may not show a completely dormant state, most tropical houseplants grow slower in colder months. 

After your plant is inside and winter is approaching, use less water and fertilizer. After the plant is safely inside the house, monitor them carefully for any changes in leaves color and other damages. It is warmer inside than outside, however, you still need to make sure to have the temperature inside no lower than 45 degrees. 

5. The Right Humidity and Lighting

The tropical plant already uses dim environments, however, the cold winter may provide less light. After the plant is inside, you need to add light to them. Maybe a spot by the window for more natural sunlight.

If there is no sun, you may need to turn on the heater for yourself and the plants. At this time, the air turns dry and there is less humidity. The trick is to mist your plant and avoid reaching them with water. You can add a humidifier and put your plant close to it. 

Tropical shrubs, perennials, and vines can be kept alive and thriving after moving them indoors before winter. The process of the transition needs to be done gradually. Therefore, your plant and your home can achieve the right environment to make sure the tropical plant can still thrive indoors even in the colder weather.