6 Key Mistakes to Avoid When Bringing Your Plants Inside for Winter

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, it’s time to retreat indoors and embrace the cozy season. This also signals the moment to move your outdoor plants inside, giving them the best chance to survive the cold. However, it’s not just about moving them indoors—there are potential missteps that could harm both your outdoor plants and your indoor ones. Keep reading for expert insights on the common pitfalls to avoid when transitioning your plants for winter.

Don’t Delay Bringing Your Plants Inside

Timing is essential when deciding to bring your plants indoors. Andrew Bunting, VP of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, notes that many gardeners make the mistake of waiting too long to move their plants inside, which can cause stress and even death if temperatures drop too low. 'Once the nighttime temperature hits 50 degrees, it's usually time to bring your houseplants indoors to a warmer environment,' he advises. However, there are exceptions like tropical plants that may need to come inside earlier, and others like bromeliads that can tolerate colder conditions and stay outside longer.

You might neglect to check for pests.

While your plants were outdoors, they could have become infested with common plant pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs. 'Before bringing your plants indoors, thoroughly inspect them for any signs of pests, including eggs,' suggests Andrew Bunting. 'If you find any live insects, treat them with insecticidal soap, making sure they’re fully coated.' He recommends starting this inspection a month before bringing the plants inside to give yourself time to address any infestations, repeating the process if necessary.

You may not select a spot with enough sunlight.

When moving your plants indoors, consider both location and light conditions. Sarah Nolimal, senior horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, advises, 'Any plant that was outdoors in full sun should be placed near a bright window, ideally south- or west-facing, but the specific orientation may depend on your home’s layout.'

You overlook the humidity requirements

Indoor air can often be much drier than the outdoors, particularly during winter when heaters are in use. "Many plants, especially tropical ones, require higher humidity," explains Nancy Awot-Traut, a horticultural expert from Burpee, a seed and plant company. To fix this, she suggests using a humidity tray or positioning humidity-loving plants in naturally damp locations, such as a bathroom.

You water too much

Due to reduced sunlight indoors, your plants will require less water, according to Awot-Traut. "Overwatering is a common mistake made by gardeners," she warns. "Always test the soil’s moisture level first."

You frequently reposition your plants

Plants require time to acclimate to a new environment, and every time they are relocated, they must go through the adjustment process again. "This adjustment takes energy, which can gradually weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to disease, pests, or even death," explained Awot-Traut. "Put them in a spot with plenty of light and leave them there."