With cooler nights on the way, it's time to bring your plants indoors to protect them from the frost. But there's no need to rush! Take advantage of the last beautiful, sunny days, and follow this guide to help them transition smoothly.
When to bring your plants indoors
Let your plants enjoy the last sunny days of autumn. We recommend covering them at night when the temperature drops below 12 °C. Pay close attention to the weather forecast. If an early frost is announced, it is best to bring your sensitive plants in without waiting until the end of September.
What plants to bring indoors
Here is a list of plants and bulbs that are not hardy enough for Quebec winters and that should be brought indoors:
- Tropical and sensitive plants: Hibiscus, palms, geraniums, coleus, crotons, fuchsias, lantanas, ficus, philodendrons, caladiums, colocasias.
- Cacti and succulents: Kalanchoe, crassula, sedum.
- Aromatic herbs: Rosemary, basil, chives, parsley.
- Annual bulbs: Begonia and dahlia tubers, canna rhizomes, gladiolus corms, calla and oxalis bulbs. To learn more, check out our detailed guide on how to store your bulbs for the winter.
Prepare your plants for their arrival indoors
To ensure a smooth transition and the health of your plants, a few steps are essential before bringing them inside.
1. Should you prune the plants?
No matter the plant, remove any damaged, dead, or dry foliage and stems.
- Foliage plants: It is not necessary to prune them unless they have grown too large or you want to adjust their shape.
- Flowering plants: Bring in your flowering plants without pruning them. They will bloom until early winter by drawing on their reserves. On the shortest days, you will need to prune them by a third to maintain their structure. A second pruning may be necessary in January to remove weak shoots.
2. Deep-clean and inspect your plants
To avoid bringing parasites or diseases into your home, a thorough cleaning is essential. Carefully inspect the tops and bottoms of the leaves, stems, and soil. If you see any insects, you need to act quickly.
How to get rid of insects and diseases
Here are the steps for effective cleaning:
- Prune: Cut and discard all heavily affected parts of the plant.
- Wash: Spray water on the foliage and stems to dislodge dirt and insects. You can also gently wash the leaves with a damp cloth.
- Treat the soil: To eliminate pests hiding in the soil, soak the pot in a large basin of water. If you suspect the presence of insects, add an insecticide soap to the soaking water. Let the pot soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Apply an insecticide soap: In case of infestation, spray an insecticide soap all over the plant, focusing on the undersides of the leaves and stems. Repeat the operation as needed, according to the manufacturer's instructions. For natural and safe solutions, visit the Lady Bug website.
3. Gradual acclimatization
Plan to acclimatize your plants over a period of 7 to 10 days. Start by bringing them in at night and taking them back out during the day, if the temperature allows. This reduces shock and allows them to adapt gradually to indoor conditions.
4. Repotting
If the roots are growing out of the pot or the plant seems cramped, repot it in a slightly larger pot. Use fresh, quality soil adapted to the plant to give it a new lease on life. Discover the right method in this article.
Caring for indoor plants during winter
Once your plants are settled, it's time to give them the best care to help them get through the winter.
- Ideal location: Place your plants in a very bright spot, away from direct sun and heat sources. Turn the pot a quarter turn with each watering so the plant grows uniformly.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with a half-dose from September to November, then resume normal fertilization starting in February.
- Artificial light: In winter, compensate for the lack of natural light with grow lights, especially for tropical plants.
- Humidity: The dry air in our homes in winter can be harmful. Increase the humidity around your plants by grouping them together, using humidifiers, or regularly misting the foliage.
Each plant has its own specific needs. Don't hesitate to learn about the particular requirements of your plants to give them the best possible conditions. With a little care, you'll ensure their survival and growth until spring returns.
