How to Bring Houseplants Indoors in the Fall

After enjoying the long lazy days of summer outdoors on the patio or porch, houseplants have become acclimated to a roomy, breezy and sunny environment. As summer winds down and the chill of fall is in the air it's time bring houseplants indoors to protect them from the cold winter weather. Making the switch from outdoor life to indoor living takes a little planning and finesse so as to not kill the houseplants during the transition. Consider these guidelines when making the transition with your favorite greenery.

Decide Which Houseplants Come Indoors

Most any houseplant will survive the yearly shuffle indoors/outdoors shuffle if handled with care. Mother-in-law tongues, begonias, parlor palms and peace lilies are some of the popular indoor/outdoor type houseplants. Decide which ones you would like to keep over winter and choose the healthiest houseplants out of the lot. If the greenery has more yellow than green or any other health issues, leave it outside. The houseplant is not likely to recover after adding further stress to the plant by relocating it.

Timing is Everything

Houseplants must be brought indoors before the first night of below freezing temperatures, if left outdoors after a freeze, the plants will not recover. Bring the houseplants indoors before the temperature dips below 40 degrees. Shorter days, which means less hours of sunlight, also impacts houseplants as much as temperature changes do. Ideally, houseplants should be transitioned indoors prior to fall's time change. If residing in colder climates where fall comes earlier, begin the transition sooner.

To Re-Pot or Not

Spring is the best time to re-pot houseplants, but if a plant is root bound in the fall it may not survive until spring. Check houseplants before bringing them indoors to see if they are root bound by placing your hand on top of the soil and gently turning the pot upside down until the plant slides out into your hand. If you see a dense mass of roots instead of soil, the houseplant needs re-potting into a larger container before coming indoors for the winter.

Chose the Right Indoor Location

Place houseplants away from any direct air flow, like heating registers and outside doors. Houseplants can tolerate a cool breeze in summer, but not cold drafts or hot air in winter. Most houseplants do best when placed in indirect sunlight, so chose a location near, but not directly in, a south facing window for your houseplant's new winter home.