Be mindful of these missteps to make sure your plants survive the cold.
You wait too long to bring plants in
Timing is crucial when choosing to bring your plants inside. “One mistake gardeners often make when transitioning their plants back inside is waiting too long, which can stress and even kill the plant if it gets too cold,” explained Andrew Bunting, VP of horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “When the nighttime temperature reaches 50 degrees, it's generally time to move your houseplants back indoors to a warmer environment.” Of course, there are exceptions such as tropical plants, which might need to come in even earlier and others that can withstand colder temperatures, like bromeliads, which can stay out later, he pointed out.
You don’t inspect for pests
When your plants were outside, there's a possibility they got an infestation of some of the common plant pests, such as aphids, spider mites, white fly, scale, and mealy bugs. “Before bringing your houseplants indoors, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of insects, including eggs,” he said. “If you find live insects, spray them with insecticidal soap, making sure they are fully coated. Start this inspection process a month in advance to give yourself time to treat any infestations and repeat the process if needed.”
You don’t pick a spot with enough sunlight
Pay attention to location—and light conditions—when bringing your plants inside. “Any plant that was outside in full sun would be best near a bright window, preferably south or west-facing but it of course depends on the house,” says Sarah Nolimal, senior horticulturist with the Chicago Botanic Garden.
You ignore humidity needs
Indoor air can be much drier than outdoor air, especially in the winter when heaters are running. “Many plants, such as tropical plants, need a higher humidity,” says Nancy Awot-Traut, a horticulture expert with seed and plant company Burpee. To remedy this, she recommends using a humidity tray or placing those more humidity-loving plants in a naturally humid spot, like the bathroom.
You overwater
Since there's less sunlight indoors, this means your plants will need less water, said Awot-Traut. “Overwatering is a common mistake gardeners make," she says. "Always check the soil’s moisture level first."
You move plants around
Most plants need time to adjust to a new environment—and every time they're moved to a new location, they'll need to adjust all over again. “This adjustment process takes energy, which can weaken the plant over time, making it more vulnerable to disease, pest or even death,” Awot-Traut said. “Place them in a good spot with lots of light and leave them there.”
