Winter Plant Care – How To Keep Plants Alive Over Winter


You're likely accustomed to leaving potted plants out over summer, but if some of your favorite perennial plants are frost tender where you live, they’ll be damaged or killed if you leave them outside during winter. But by bringing plants indoors for the winter, you can protect them against the harmful consequences of cold weather. After bringing plants indoors, however, the key to keeping plants alive over the winter depends on what type of plants you have and the growing environment you provide them.
Winter Plant Care
How to keep plants alive over winter (by overwintering plants in pots indoors) means you first have to make room for the plants, which is sometimes easier said than done. Although you may have enough room in certain locations in your house, if the plants don’t receive enough light, they may begin to decline. Tip: Before bringing plants indoors, install some hanging basket hooks or shelves in front of bright windows. You’ll have an overhead winter garden that keeps plants from cluttering your floor space. Other than giving your plants sufficient light while they’re indoors, a key to keeping plants alive through winter is providing the temperature and humidity they need. If you place the pots near a heating vent or a drafty window, the fluctuations in temperature may place too much stress on the plants. To increase the humidity around plants, set the pots on top of pebbles in a water-filled tray or dish, and keep the water level below the base of the containers.
When to Start Overwintering Plants in Pots
Most houseplants are tropical plants, which enjoy a little “summer vacation” in pots on your patio or deck. However, when the nighttime temperatures dip to 50 degrees F. (10 C.), it’s time to start bringing plants indoors to keep them alive during the winter. Caladiums, lilies, and plants that grow from bulbs, tubers, and other bulb-like structures, may go through a “resting period.” After an active growth period, some plant’s leaves and stems begin to fade or turn yellow, and the plant typically dies all the way to the ground. Even though these plants go through a dormant stage in winter, some (such as caladiums) need warm winter plant care while others (such as dahlias) respond better to chillier temperatures. A heated closet inside your home is suitable for overwintering caladium tubers, but an unheated location (40-50 degrees F. or 4-10 degrees C.) will work better for dahlias. Before bringing in your entire garden of plants for the winter, know your USDA plant hardiness zone. This determines the lowest temperature at which different plants will survive the winter outside. When you buy plants, look on the manufacturer’s tag to find the hardiness information.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

Victoria Blackstone is a guest writer for Gardening Know How.
-
Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2024 Is A Gardener’s Dream – Discover 7 Flowers That Are ‘Peach Fuzz’ Perfection
The global authority on color has spoken, and 'Peach Fuzz' is the shade we'll all be seeking out in the coming year. Find out why this gorgeous pinky orange deserves a place in your garden, and be inspired by our top flower picks
By Melanie Griffiths Published
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long Time
Click here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
By Amy Grant Published
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?
Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical Flair
Click here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely Leaves
What are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant Last updated
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage Plants
Click here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Published
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter Holidays
Click here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
By Laura Miller Published
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor Oasis
If you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer Mind
Are there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
By Laura Miller Last updated