woman caring large plant inside for the winter

12 Plants That Need to be Moved Inside at the End of Summer

Who's ready for the dry, non-humid heat of your home’s HVAC system? Winter is approaching, and soon, you’ll be stuck with grey, overcast skies, chapped lips, and tissues overflowing from the garbage. But what if there was a way to freshen up your home environment and fight off those winter blues? Well, guess what — you’ve spent the last two seasons getting ready for it.

If you’re like me, you’ve toiled over choosing the perfect soil mix, hunted for just the right stylish pots, and spent hours weeding the garden. So why stop there? Why not bring your patio plants indoors and let them work their magic, elevating both your space and your mood through the long winter months?

In this article, I’ll show you which plants need to make the move indoors before the cold hits. These are the ones that won’t survive the frost, and I’ve got some handy tips to make sure they stay healthy and thrive inside. Let’s keep that green going, even when everything outside turns gray.

Why Let All That Effort Die in the Cold?

woman caring large plant inside
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I get it — maybe you don’t share my deep attachment to plants but think about the investment. You carefully picked each one, spent $10 per plant, another $10 on soil, and perhaps splurged on a $20 pot. That’s $30 to $50 per plant.

Now, consider the time you’ve spent planting, watering, and nurturing them. You’re easily over $100 in, and if you leave them outside, the cold could kill your plants and crack those expensive pots. All that time and money could be wasted in just one season.

Ferns Need a Humid Space

fern plants in window during winter
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Ferns thrive in the shady, humid corners of your garden, but the cold can quickly dry them out. I lost my two Boston ferns a few years ago during an oddly cold October. If left outside, they’ll wither and die in low temperatures. Moving them inside is the best way to protect their delicate leaves from frost.

Once indoors, place them in a humid room like a bathroom. If that’s not an option, the University of New Hampshire suggests misting them regularly or using a humidifier to help them feel right at home.

Tropical Hibiscus Loves the Heat

Hibiscus flower
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If you have tropical hibiscus in your garden, make sure to bring them indoors once the temperature dips below 55°F. These plants are used to warm, sunny climates and will suffer in the cold, losing their bright blooms.

Place your hibiscus near a sunny window where it can continue to get the light it needs. While it might not bloom as frequently during winter, it will stay healthy and reward you with flowers once it’s back outside next summer.

Snake Plants Are Tough, But Not Frost-Proof

snake plants
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Snake plants are known for being hardy, but even they can’t handle freezing temperatures. As soon as the weather starts to cool, bring your snake plant inside to avoid damage to its thick, upright leaves.

One of my wife’s favorite plants is the snake plant. So we have plenty of these throughout our living space… almost one in every room. The reason this works, in part, is that snake plants are low-maintenance. They can handle low light and don’t require much water, making them a perfect addition to any room in your home. Just make sure not to overwater them during the winter months.

Spider Plants Want a Cozy Spot

spider plants inside during winter
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While the snake plant is my wife’s favorite, the spider plant holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of my great grandma’s house. Spider plants love soaking up summer warmth, but when the temperature drops, it’s time to bring them inside. These easygoing plants thrive in bright, indirect light and keep growing all winter long.

What I love most about spider plants is their adaptability. As long as they stay out of the cold, they require minimal care. Just place them near a window, and they’ll continue sprouting their signature “baby” plants.

Succulents Thrive in Warmth

succulent plants in window sill during winter
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Succulents are desert plants, so they can handle harsh sun and dry conditions, but frost will damage their fleshy leaves. If you want to keep them healthy through winter, bring them inside before the first frost hits.

Give your succulents a bright spot by a sunny window to mimic their natural environment. Be careful not to overwater them — succulents only need a light watering every couple of weeks, especially during colder months.

Geraniums Brighten Indoor Spaces

Geranium plant inside
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Geraniums are a popular summer flower, but they’re sensitive to cold and need to be brought inside when temperatures fall below 45°F. According to the Clemson Home and Garden Information Center, keep geraniums indoors between 55 and 70 degrees, and be careful not to overwater. A sunny spot with good air circulation will help them thrive.

To keep them blooming, you can also trim them back slightly once they’re inside. This encourages new growth, allowing your geraniums to continue brightening your home through the winter months.

Orchids Need Consistent Warmth

woman checking her orchid plants inside
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Orchids, in my opinion, are one of the more finicky plants. Yet, like me, many people love having one on the back patio for a touch of elegance. The catch? They’re tropical and can’t handle the cold. As soon as temperatures dip, it’s time to bring your orchids indoors to keep them safe.

Once inside, orchids thrive with warmth and indirect sunlight. Just be sure they’re away from cold drafts and heaters, which can dry them out. With a little care and attention, your orchids can keep blooming throughout the winter months.

Citrus Trees Need a Sunny Window

fruit tree growing inside
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Most of my plants are the edible kind, and recently, I’ve added a few small citrus trees to the mix. While I don’t expect a big harvest, it's fun to see what happens and eventually find a spot for them in the yard. If you’ve got potted citrus trees outside, now’s the time to bring them in.

These trees love sunshine but can’t handle freezing temps. Find a sunny indoor spot where they can soak up at least six hours of light daily. With minimal watering and good light, they might even surprise you with fruit this winter!

Aloe Vera Loves Light, Hates Frost

aloe vera plant on desk inside
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Aloe vera is known for its healing properties, but it can’t heal itself from frost damage. If you have aloe growing outside, bring it inside before the first cold night. Aloe vera needs warmth and sunlight to thrive.

Inside, place your aloe near a window where it can soak up the sun. Be sure to water it sparingly, as too much water can cause root rot. With minimal care, your aloe vera will stay healthy and happy indoors.

Keep Begonias Blooming

Begonia plant needing moved inside
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Another popular plant that often gets potted outside is the begonia. Known for its vibrant flowers and colorful foliage, begonias thrive in warm, shady spots but can’t handle cold temperatures. Once the weather starts to cool, especially if it drops below 50°F, it’s time to bring them inside.

Begonias need bright, indirect light to keep blooming indoors. Make sure to reduce watering, as they won’t need as much moisture during the winter months. With the right care, your begonias will continue adding a splash of color to your home throughout the colder season.

Basil Needs Warmth to Thrive

basil up close sprayed with water, in pot, inside
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Basil is a summer must-have in my garden, but it’s incredibly sensitive to the cold. The moment temps drop below 50°F I notice my basil starts to wilt at night, even if it perks up during the day. Eventually, it just can’t recover. To keep it thriving, I move it inside and place it near a bright window for plenty of sunlight.

Basil needs at least six hours of direct light, and don't forget to trim any flowering stems to extend its life. Water sparingly, and with the right care, your basil will be fresh all winter long.

Rosemary’s Better to Bring Inside

Rosemary plants
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Another common plant that many people pot outside is rosemary. With mild winters, rosemary might be fine outdoors, but if the temperature drops below freezing, it’s best to bring it inside to protect it from frost damage. This herb loves warmth and plenty of sunlight, making it a great addition to your indoor garden during the colder months.

Place your rosemary in a sunny spot, where it can soak up at least six hours of light daily. Let the soil dry out between watering, and with minimal care, it will stay fresh and ready to add flavor to your winter dishes.

Keep Your Plants Thriving All Year

variety of plants being placed in window for winter
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Winter doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your favorite summer plants. With a little care and attention, many outdoor plants can thrive indoors during the colder months. By keeping them warm, well-lit, and watered correctly, you’ll ensure they survive winter and are ready to go back outside when the temperatures rise again.

Moving plants indoors doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these tips in mind, you can keep your greenery thriving through the fall and winter, ready to bloom again next summer.

Author: Corey Turner

Corey Turner is a journalist, conservationist, outdoor enthusiast, and passionate pet owner. Corey is known for his honest pet product reviews and guidance for navigating pet behavior, health, and nutrition.

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