As the weather cools, many hobby gardeners realize they forgot to bring their outdoor plants inside. If your plants have already been exposed to chilly temperatures, don’t worry—you can still help them acclimate and recover indoors.
Here’s what you need to do to rescue outdoor plants if you leave them out in the cold.
Meet the Expert
- Robin Trott is an educator at the University of Minnesota Extension.
- Aaron Steil is a specialist at the Consumer Horticulture Extension at Iowa State University.
Start With a Pest Check
Before bringing plants inside, inspect them for pests like aphids, mealybugs, or whiteflies, which often hide in soil and foliage.
“Take the opportunity to thoroughly rinse off all the foliage while still outside. Let foliage completely dry before bringing indoors,” Aaron Steil, a specialist at the Consumer Horticulture Extension at Iowa State University.
This step prevents infestations that could spread to indoor plants.
Check the undersides of leaves, stems, and soil surface for signs of bugs. If you find pests, wash them off with water or wipe them with a soapy cloth. For heavier infestations, consider using insecticidal soap, which is effective without harming your plants.
Gradually Acclimate Plants to Indoor Conditions
Abruptly moving plants from outdoor sun exposure to indoor lighting can shock them, causing yellow leaves, wilting, or dieback.
“Just like hardening off your new seedlings, your houseplants may undergo shock if abruptly brought from outdoor conditions to indoors,” explains Robin Trott, an educator at the University of Minnesota Extension.
To ease this transition, place plants in a sunny window at first and gradually move them to their permanent indoor spot over several days.
This slow shift lets plants adapt to indoor humidity and temperature changes. Remember, even the brightest indoor spots have less light than outdoor conditions. Tropical plants, like hibiscus or weeping figs, are particularly sensitive to light changes and may lose some leaves. Don’t worry, though—new leaves will grow back as they adjust.
Adjust Your Watering Routine
Plants moved indoors will need less water than they did outside. Lower light, cooler indoor temperatures, and reduced humidity mean they’ll dry out more slowly.
“The watering frequency should change as well. When houseplants need water depends on many environmental conditions, including light, humidity, and temperature,” Steil said.
Check soil moisture levels regularly and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as damp conditions indoors can lead to root rot. Drooping leaves can indicate either over- or under-watering, so pay attention to these signals as you adjust your routine.
Hold Off on Fertilizer Until Spring
Once indoors, plants won’t grow as actively during the fall and winter, so they don’t need as many nutrients.
“Stop fertilizing plants in the fall and winter months as they are not actively growing this time of year,” Steil said.
Feeding plants now could lead to excessive growth that won’t thrive in low-light conditions. Wait until spring, when plants resume active growth, to restart a regular fertilizing schedule.
Provide Supplemental Light if Needed
“Even the brightest locations indoors are a fraction of the light intensity of conditions in a shade or part-shade location outside,” Steil said.
A small LED grow light can be an inexpensive and effective way to provide additional light. Set it up to run for 8-12 hours daily to mimic natural sunlight.
Prepare for Leaf Drop in Some Plants
Don’t be alarmed if you see a few leaves dropping, particularly in plants like weeping figs or hibiscus. This leaf drop is a natural response to changes in light and humidity.
“Take it slow, and let them get acclimated to the indoors again a little at a time,” Trott said. Maintaining a stable temperature and consistent light can reduce stress and help your plants recover faster.
Place Plants Strategically in Your Home
When choosing a spot for your plants, consider temperature, humidity, and airflow. Keep plants away from drafts, heat vents, or radiators, which can cause temperature fluctuations that stress plants. Bathrooms or kitchens with higher humidity are ideal for tropical plants, while cooler, bright spots work well for others.
To maintain humidity, especially in dry winter air, consider using a humidity tray or a small humidifier. Grouping plants together can also create a mini-humid environment that mimics their outdoor conditions, helping them adapt to the indoors.
With patience and the right care, your plants can thrive indoors throughout the winter and be ready for outdoor life in the spring. As Trott reminds us, a careful approach gives your plants the best chance to adjust, recover, and brighten up your indoor space all winter long.