Bringing Your Tropicals Indoors for the Winter

As the summer comes to an end and autumn approaches, the days get shorter and cooler temperatures signal the time to ready your plants for winter. Don’t wait until frost warnings occur to bring them inside. Try to have all of your plants acclimated to the new indoor environment by the end of October. Avoid the temptation to move your tropicals back outside if it suddenly gets warm, because they will have to re-acclimate when you bring them back inside again. With a little extra care even exotic hibiscus can be over-wintered inside the house.

First, it’s a good idea to prune approximately one-eight to one-fourth off the total height. This helps reduce the shock that the plant receives with the change of conditions when bringing them indoors. Check the plants for signs of insects and treat them with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray as well as a systemic insecticide that will provide protection for up to six weeks. Put them in a very bright location that receives no less than 6 hours of light per day. If the winter is very cloudy, supplement with an artificial light source. Because they are tropical plants, they will need good humidity which can be achieved by using a humidity tray. (Use a saucer that is at least 3-4 inches larger than the pot and fill with 1 inch of stones. Pour water over the stones until they are half covered. Place the pot on top of the stones.) Fertilizer should be continued throughout the winter, but at a rate of once per week. You will find the plant will not utilize as much water in the winter because its growth has slowed. Generally, plants should be watered every 4 to 7 days depending on location, pot size, soil type and plant type.

If you have any questions about winter care of your plants, our staff will be glad to help you.