As winter approaches, it’s time to decide which plants need to come inside.
When winter comes, Im forced to decide which plants come inside and whichbrave the cold.
Id save them all, but my family prefers sitting without a plant in their lap or face.
Credit:Getty Images
Weve got expert tips and answers to help you successfullyoverwinter your plants.
Understanding Plant Needs
Mosthouseplantsare tropical varieties that need a warm or temperate environment to thrive.
Not every plant needs to be protected during the winter.
They may look dead but new growth will appear when the weather warms.
To help you choose, answer these questions:
Is the plant healthy?
Do I have the right indoor location to overwinter the plant?
Consider the size of the plant, its light, temperature, and humidity needs.
Offer the plant to others if you don’t have the right location.
Is the plant easy to replace or propagate?
Plants have monetary and sentimental value.
For instance, bringing containers of annuals indoors isn’t a good idea.
They are one-season, easy-to-replace specimens that won’t thrive inside.
You don’t have to wait to move houseplants back inside.
It’s a good idea to move houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same.
This gives the plants time to readjust to light and humidity levels before you turn the heat on.
Water and fertilize less frequently because growth slows once plants are indoors.
Just be sure the pot is not sitting directly in the water.
Place plants away from heating vents or doors that cause temperature levels to fluctuate.
If you are using grow lights, add a timer because every plant needs some dark time.
Rotate plants often to keep growth patterns even if one side receives more light.
Consider combining different plants in one container.
