Bringing Your Houseplants Back Indoors: How to Help Them Thrive All Winter Long
As the temperatures drop and outdoor days grow shorter, it’s time to give your houseplants a warm welcome back inside! Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor jungle, this quick guide will help you transition your plants safely and keep them happy all winter long.
Step 1: Inspect and Clean Before Moving In
Before any plant crosses your threshold, give it a good once-over. Look under leaves, along stems, and even in the soil for sneaky hitchhikers like aphids, fungus gnats, or spider mites. Outdoor plants can pick up tiny pests that thrive indoors once the heat turns on.
Pro Tip: A gentle rinse with lukewarm water with the hose or in your shower is a great start, but if you spot pests or residue, reach for Neem Max, Insecticidal Soap, or Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew. These natural, plant-safe options help you manage unwanted visitors without harsh chemicals.
For extra cleanliness, wipe leaves with a damp cloth — removing dust and debris allows your plants to photosynthesize more efficiently once they’re inside under lower light conditions.
Step 2: Check for Sunlight and Space
Your plants were spoiled by outdoor sunshine, so light changes will take some adjusting. Place sun-loving plants near south- or west-facing windows, and move shade lovers to spots with filtered light.
If natural light is scarce, supplement with grow lights — modern full-spectrum bulbs mimic sunlight beautifully and keep foliage lush through dark winter days.
Step 3: Reevaluate Watering
Indoor humidity is much lower in the colder months, and plants won’t dry out as quickly. Overwatering is one of the biggest winter mistakes!
Let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings. For succulents and cacti, you might only need to water once a month. If you’re unsure, a moisture meter is a foolproof way to check before you pour.
Step 4: Feed and Refresh the Soil
As your plants move indoors, give their soil a nutrient boost. Mix in a bit of Sustane Flourish fertilizer to improve soil structure and encourage strong root health.
Quick tip: Don’t fertilize too heavily in winter — plants grow slower with less light. A light feeding every 6–8 weeks is plenty until spring.
Step 5: Prevent Pests Proactively
Even after cleaning, pests can emerge once the warmth of your home wakes them up. Keep a small bottle of Neem Max or Insecticidal Soap on hand. A monthly preventative treatment keeps most common pests at bay.
You can also place yellow sticky traps near your plants — they help monitor fungus gnat activity before it becomes a problem.
Step 6: Acclimate Gradually
If your plants have been outside for a while, bring them in for a few hours at a time over a few days before making the move permanent. The gradual change helps them adjust to lower humidity and temperature differences.
For tropical plants, grouping them together indoors can create a mini microclimate with more humidity. Adding a humidifier nearby can also help mimic their outdoor environment.
Final Touch: TLC and Observation
The first few weeks indoors are an adjustment period. Expect a little leaf drop — that’s normal! Keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as yellowing or drooping leaves, and adjust light or water as needed.
A Little Love Goes a Long Way! Bringing plants indoors isn’t just about survival — it’s about setting them up for a cozy, healthy season. With a little care, the right products, and regular attention, your plants will thank you by staying vibrant all winter long — and be ready to flourish again next spring
Find all the products discussed in this blog post in our Garden Shop or in our Plant Health Department, up by the registers.