What Temperature to Bring In Potted Plants?

If you are a plant enthusiast, you know that potted plants require proper care, and one of the biggest factors that determine the health of your plants is the temperature. As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, it becomes essential to know when and how to bring in your potted plants to protect them from the harsh weather conditions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what temperature to bring in potted plants to ensure that they survive through the winter.

Identify Your Plants' Heat Tolerance

Before we dive into the temperature specifics, it's important to understand the heat tolerance of your potted plants. Some plants are more tolerant to low temperatures, while others require more warmth to thrive. For instance, tropical plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and mandevilla cannot survive outside in colder temperatures and should be brought indoors when temperatures dip below 55°F. On the other hand, succulents, such as cacti, thrive well in cool temperatures and can withstand temperatures around 40°F. Therefore, it's crucial to research the temperature requirements of your specific plants to know when and how to bring them inside.

When to Bring In Potted Plants

The timing of bringing in potted plants varies according to the climate you live in. In regions that experience harsh winters, it's best to start bringing in your plants around late summer or early fall. This gives them time to adapt to the indoor environment before the temperatures drop too low. On the other hand, if you live in milder areas, you can wait until the temperatures start dropping before you bring in your plants. A general rule is to bring in your plants when the temperature falls below 50°F. This temperature limit will protect your plants from freezing temperatures and other harsh weather elements.

How to Bring In Potted Plants

Now that you know when to bring in your plants, the next crucial step is to do it right. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bring in potted plants:

Choose a warm, well-lit room: Before you move your plants, decide on the best place to put them. Choose a room that is warm (around 60°F) and receives plenty of natural light.

Clean your plants: Before bringing your plants inside, clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated while outside.

Check for pests: Inspect your plants for pests like insects or spiders that may have hitched a ride on your plants from outside. If you find any, remove them or treat the plants before bringing them indoors.

Trim off dead leaves or branches: Remove any dead or damaged foliage to help the plant focus its energy on new growth.

Water and fertilize: Give your plants a thorough watering and add some fertilizer to boost their growth.

Acclimate your plants: After bringing your plants inside, acclimate them gradually to the indoor environment. Start by placing them in a spot that receives less direct sunlight for a few days before moving them to their final spot.

Conclusion

Knowing what temperature to bring in potted plants is crucial for their survival and overall health. By identifying your plants' heat tolerance, when to bring them in, and how to do it right, you can ensure that your plants make a smooth transition to the indoor environment, continue to thrive, and brighten up your space even during the colder months.