What Should Come Inside Before the First Frost?

Cooler nights are one of the sure signs that fall has arrived. While many garden plants handle chilly weather just fine, tropicals, houseplants and other tender favorites need a little attention before temperatures drop too far.

If you’ve had houseplants vacationing outdoors for the summer, don’t wait for an actual frost to bring them inside. Tropical plants such as Monstera, Alocasia, Hoya, Calathea and Syngonium prefer warmer conditions and can become stressed well before temperatures reach freezing.

Check Before You Bring Them In

Before moving plants indoors, give them a careful inspection. Look underneath leaves, along stems and around the soil for aphids, spider mites, scale, mealybugs or other unwanted hitchhikers.

Remove damaged or yellowing foliage, clean up fallen leaves and give the plant a good general cleaning. Taking a few minutes outside can help prevent pest problems among your indoor plants later.

Help Plants Adjust to Indoor Life

Moving from bright outdoor conditions to the relatively low light inside your home can be a significant change. When possible, make the transition gradually and place plants near the brightest appropriate window when they first come inside.

Don’t be surprised if you see a few yellow leaves or some leaf drop. Plants often need time to adjust to changes in light, temperature and humidity.

You may also find that plants need less water indoors as growth slows. Check the soil rather than automatically watering on the same summer schedule.

What Else Is Worth Saving?

Tender herbs and favorite container plants may also be candidates for overwintering. Geraniums are a classic example. Some gardeners bring whole plants indoors, while others take cuttings to grow for next spring.

But you don’t have to save everything. Part of fall gardening is deciding which plants are special enough to earn some indoor space and which ones can finish their season outdoors.

Make Room for Something New

Bringing plants inside is also a good excuse to refresh your indoor garden for the months ahead. The Country Barn has a new selection of houseplants, including Hoya, Alocasia, Monstera, Syngonium, Calathea and more. Stop in and see what’s new!

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I bring my houseplants indoors?
Bring tropical houseplants inside before nights become consistently chilly. Many tropical plants can experience stress at temperatures well above freezing, so don’t use the first frost as your only deadline.

How cold is too cold for tropical houseplants?
It varies by plant, but many tropical houseplants prefer temperatures above roughly 50–55°F. More cold-sensitive varieties may react sooner.

How can I avoid bringing bugs indoors with my plants?
Inspect the leaves, stems and soil carefully before bringing plants inside. Remove damaged foliage and address any pest problems while the plant is still outdoors.

Should I fertilize after bringing plants inside?
Usually there is less need for fertilizer as days shorten and plant growth slows. Adjust your routine to the needs of the particular plant rather than maintaining its summer feeding schedule.

Is some leaf drop normal after moving a plant indoors?
Yes. A change in light, humidity and temperature can temporarily stress a plant. Give it time to adjust and avoid overwatering in response to normal leaf loss.