Many tropical plants can be overwintered indoors or in a garage. Not all will survive, but you'll want to try, especially with your favorites or ones that cost a lot of money. If they're left outside, tropical plants don't stand a chance (unless you live in the tropics).
Woody Tropicals
Woody tropicals such as blue potato bush and esperanza aren't great candidates for growing indoors. They require a tremendous amount of light, and they need a rest period after flowering, but you can still keep them alive and well.
- When overnight temperatures start to dip into the low 50s, move your plants into an unheated garage at night, and once temperatures have warmed a bit in the morning, move them outside for the day. When daytime temperatures begin to hover in the 50s, move plants into the garage and leave them there.
- Cut back on watering so that the soil remains almost dry. Don't fertilize. Within a few weeks the plants will likely lose their leaves and appear dead, but they're probably not. They've simply gone into a resting phase.
- Before temperatures drop below freezing, the plant's root ball should be insulated to prevent the roots from freezing. Wrap the container several times with bubble wrap, using tape to hold it in place.
- In early spring remove the bubble wrap, give the plant some water, and if temperatures allow, move it outdoors for the day (keep it garaged at night). When both day and night temperatures are consistently in the 60s, leave the plant on the patio until the following fall.
Herbaceous Tropicals
Tropicals that have fleshy rather than woody stems are easy to overwinter, provided you make the transition from patio plant to houseplant properly. That means moving plants indoors at a time when outside and inside temperatures are about the same--about 75 or so. The plants won't be exposed to a sudden drop in temperature, and the transition will be a smooth one.
- Inspect plants for any signs of pests or disease before moving them. If you spot pests, apply insecticidal soap to the leaf surfaces, especially the undersides. A week later, inspect again, and apply more soap if necessary. Do the same with any houseplants to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. Spray the patio plants with a fine mist from the hose to remove accumulated dust from leaf surfaces and let them dry; clean the pots with a soft brush.
- Now you're ready to move the plants indoors. Keep them away from windows and doors to avoid drafts. Steer clear of air vents (either floor or ceiling) to prevent plants from drying out too fast.
- Cut back on watering (except for palms, which need to be kept evenly moist), and eliminate fertilizer altogether. Mist at least once or twice a day. To make caring for them easier, group plants with similar needs together.
- Don't hold out hope for tropical plants that require intense sunlight: the average home usually can't supply enough light. Palms are a good choice, but be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight, which will burn their leaf tips.
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