Just because there’s a chill in the air doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the beautiful container plants you’ve cared for all summer. The relationship doesn't have to end! Think of it as a fun little sleepover for your leafy friends. Bringing them indoors is a great way to keep the greenery going all winter long.

Whether you're tucking them away for a long nap or giving them a sunny spot on the windowsill, getting your potted plants ready for their indoor vacation is easier than you think. Let’s make sure your new houseguests are happy, healthy, and pest-free.

When Is It Time to Come Inside?

Timing is everything! The key is to get your plants moved in before the first frost. A surprise dip in temperatures can be a shock to their systems.

Every area is a little different, so it’s a great idea to get familiar with your region's average first frost date. Once the nighttime temperatures start to consistently dip near 50°F, it's time to start the moving process. This gives you plenty of time to help them get used to their new indoor lifestyle.

Who Gets an Invitation?

Before you start hauling pots, let's figure out who should come inside and where they'll be happiest. Not all of your outdoor plants will love indoor living—your tomato plants, for example, are best enjoyed during their season. But don't worry, many of your favorites will be thrilled to join you.

• The Green Roommates: Many of your outdoor plants can continue to thrive indoors. This list includes tender perennials like ferns, tropical beauties like hibiscus, most herbs, succulents, and even annuals like geraniums and begonias. These are the friends that will need a sunny window or a spot under a grow light. Any of your regular houseplants that enjoyed a summer vacation outdoors should definitely come back in, too. 
• The Winter Sleepers: Some plants, especially tender bulbs like dahlias and elephant ears, prefer to go dormant for the winter. This just means they'll take a long, restful nap in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage, waiting for spring to wake them up again.

Getting Used to the Great Indoors

Moving from the patio to the living room is a big change for a plant. You can make the transition easier by gradually acclimating them to lower light conditions. Over the course of a week, bring them into a shady spot for a little longer each day. It’s like easing into a nice, warm bath instead of jumping right in!

Leave the Bugs Behind

We love our plants, but we don’t love uninvited pests. A thorough check before moving day is the secret to a bug-free indoor garden.

A few days before you plan to bring them in, give your plants a good once-over. Check under leaves, around the stems, and even in the drainage holes for any signs of critters. You can gently wash the leaves and stems with a hose to dislodge any hangers-on. Even if you don’t see anything, a quick rinse is always a good idea.

After their bath, let the plants dry and then consider giving them a good spray with an insecticidal soap, making sure to cover the soil and the pot as well. This will help take care of any pests you might have missed.

It’s a good idea to give the plants you’ve just brought inside their own little space for a few weeks. Keeping them separate from your year-round houseplants is a great way to make sure no sneaky pests have tagged along.

Caring for Your Indoor Guests

Once your plants are settled in, you might notice they act a little differently, and that's totally normal. They might drop a few leaves or not bloom as much as they did outside. Here’s how to keep them happy:

• Adjust Your Watering: Indoor plants don't need as much water as they did in the summer sun. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• A Welcome Home Meal: Give your plants a good feeding right after you move them inside. After that, you can hold off on the plant food until you see new growth in the spring.
• Give Them a Turn: Rotate your plants a quarter turn each week to make sure all sides get some light. This helps them grow evenly.
• Time for a New Home?: If any of your plants have outgrown their pots, early spring is the perfect time for an upgrade. Repotting them into a fresh, high-quality potting mix will give them a boost and get them ready for another beautiful season outdoors. 

When the danger of frost has passed in the spring, you can start the process in reverse, slowly reintroducing your leafy friends to the great outdoors. Until then, enjoy the cozy company of your green roommates all winter long!