Don’t Forget the Houseplants! How to Bring Your Summer Plants Inside Before Winter Hits

Just when you think you can finally kick back, sip some pumpkin spice, and admire your fall décor—hold up! Before that first frost hits, there’s a little unfinished business out there in the garden. Those lush tropicals and thriving houseplants that made your patio look like a summer resort? Yeah… they’re not built for Canadian winters.

If you want them to survive (and thrive) for another sunny season, it’s time to bring them inside for a cozy hibernation. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it—without bringing in unwanted guests, losing leaves everywhere, or accidentally shocking your plants into oblivion.

 

What Counts as a “Tropical” or “Houseplant” Anyway?

Let’s clear that up first.

Tropicals are plants that come from—surprise!—tropical and subtropical regions where temperatures rarely drop below 15°C. They love warmth, humidity, and sunshine, but the moment frost appears, they’ll pout, droop, and die faster than you can say “Canadian winter.”

Common tropicals you might have outside right now:

• Hibiscus (standard or shrub)
• Mandevilla and Dipladenia
• Elephant Ear (Colocasia or Alocasia)
• Bougainvillea
• Palms (Majesty, Areca, or Windmill Palms)
• Banana plants (Musa)
• Bird of Paradise
• Croton
• Cordyline and Dracaena
• Ferns (Boston, Kimberly Queen) 

Houseplants, on the other hand, are often tropical by nature too—but they’ve adapted to living indoors year-round. Still, many people treat them like seasonal décor, moving them outside in the warm months for a boost of light, air, and growth.

Common houseplants that often summer outdoors:

• Spider plants
• Snake plants
• Philodendrons
• Pothos
• Peace lilies
• Fiddle leaf figs
• Succulents and cacti
• Aloe vera 

If it looks too tropical to survive a snowstorm—it probably is. And yes, that includes those “hardy-looking” banana plants.

Why You Need to Bring Them Indoors

Tropicals and houseplants are just not designed for cold temperatures. Anything below 10°C starts to stress them out, and a frost can kill them overnight.

Bringing them indoors means:

• You protect your investment (some tropicals can live for decades).
• You save money next year (no need to rebuy those expensive plants).
• You get a jump-start next spring (they’ll already be established).
• You add greenery indoors during the long, grey winter (plants are proven mood boosters). 

Bonus: overwintering tropicals gives you something to care for when the outdoor garden goes dormant—because let’s face it, gardeners can’t just stop gardening cold turkey.

 

When to Bring Plants Indoors

Timing is everything.

For Zone 5 (like Georgina), you’ll want to start preparing in mid to late September and have everything inside before the first frost, which typically happens in early to mid-October.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• Night temps between 10–12°C? Start prepping.
• Night temps drop below 7°C? Move fast—it’s go time. 

Don’t wait until you see frost warnings—it’s better to bring them in early than risk losing them overnight.

How to Bring Them Indoors (The Right Way)

It’s not as simple as yanking them off the porch and plopping them by a window. There’s a process to avoid shocking your plants—or turning your living room into a bug convention.

Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Inspect for pests 

Check every nook and cranny—leaves (top and bottom), stems, soil surface, and even the pot edges. Look for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, or scale insects. If you spot any, treat them before bringing them in.

Tips for pest control:

• Spray leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil a week before moving them.
• For large plants, give them a gentle rinse with the garden hose.
• If possible, isolate them outdoors for a few days after treatment to monitor for lingering bugs. 

2. Repot or clean the pot 

If the plant is rootbound or the soil looks tired, repot it now. Otherwise, at least clean the pot—especially the bottom. Sometimes slugs or earwigs hide under there (gross but true).

3. Trim and tidy

Remove any dead or damaged leaves. If your plant has grown leggy over the summer, give it a light prune to make it more manageable indoors. This helps reduce stress and leaf drop later.

4. Acclimate gradually

Just like us, plants don’t love sudden change. Move them to a shaded area outdoors for a week or so before bringing them inside. This helps them adjust to lower light levels. 

5. Check for hitchhikers again

Before that final move, double-check for bugs, webs, and debris. You’ll thank yourself later.

 

What to Expect Once They’re Inside

Even with all your prep, tropicals and houseplants often go through a short “grumpy phase” after moving indoors. Expect:

• Some leaf yellowing or dropping (especially on older leaves).
• Slower growth (normal during winter dormancy).
• Possible pest flare-ups if any eggs hatched after the move. 

Don’t panic—it’s just the plant adjusting to its new indoor climate. Keep caring for it consistently and it will bounce back.

Where to Put Your Plants Indoors

Light is key! The sun is weaker and days are shorter, so choose spots wisely.

Bright, sunny windows: Perfect for hibiscus, citrus, croton, and succulents. South or west-facing windows are best.

Bright but indirect light: Good for philodendrons, pothos, peace lilies, dracaenas, and ferns. Avoid harsh direct rays that can scorch leaves behind glass.

Low light corners: Snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants can handle these spots, though they’ll grow slowly.

If your home lacks bright light, consider using grow lights for a few hours a day. Your plants will thank you with lush green leaves instead of leggy stems.

 

How to Care for Them Through Winter

Think of winter as your plants’ rest period. They’re not in full growth mode, so their needs change a bit.

Water less often. Overwatering is the #1 killer of overwintered plants. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Always empty saucers so roots don’t sit in water.

Skip the fertilizer. Save the feeding for spring. Fertilizing now can push weak, leggy growth.

Boost humidity. Indoor air gets dry in winter. Combat it by:

• • Grouping plants together.
  • Using a humidifier.
  • Placing trays of pebbles and water under pots. 

Keep them away from drafts. Avoid placing them near heating vents, exterior doors, or cold windows. Sudden temperature swings are stressful.

Dust the leaves. A soft damp cloth or shower rinse helps your plants breathe and absorb more light. 6. Rotate them occasionally. Turn pots every couple of weeks so they grow evenly toward the light.

What to Watch Out For

Even experienced gardeners run into hiccups when overwintering plants. Keep an eye out for:

• Sticky residue or white fuzz → signs of mealybugs or scale.
• Tiny webs or yellow specks on leaves → spider mites.
• Sudden leaf drop → shock or overwatering.
• Soft stems or foul smell → root rot—check drainage. 

Catch problems early and treat promptly with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a good pruning.

 

A Few Bonus Tips

• Cuttings count too! If you don’t have space for large tropicals, take stem cuttings of coleus, begonia, or geraniums to root indoors. Instant head start for spring!
• Dormant bulbs like cannas or elephant ears can be dug up, dried, and stored in a cool, dark spot (like your basement) until spring.
• Label everything. It’s easy to forget what’s what by March.
• Set a reminder for spring to start reintroducing plants outdoors slowly (the reverse of bringing them in).

 

Final Thoughts

Bringing tropicals and houseplants indoors for winter might sound like a chore, but think of it as tucking your leafy friends in for their long winter nap. With a little prep, some pest prevention, and the right care, you’ll not only keep them alive—you’ll keep them thriving.

Come spring, you’ll be the one smugly carrying your lush, established plants back outside while everyone else is buying new ones. 

So grab your neem oil, your watering can, and your best “plant parent” attitude—it’s time to rescue your tropicals before Jack Frost does.

Happy gardening!

 

Shannon, the Garden Girl

Join Shannon, the Garden Girl, as she walks you through the must-have products and essential steps to keep your plants thriving indoors. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes when transitioning your plants for the colder months.