Can Outdoor Plants Be Grown Indoors?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Good news, lovers: the end of the outdoor gardening season does not have to mean the end of your container . Although most will not survive the winter in cold climates,

they can be brought indoors as houseplants

to help them make it through the colder months.

How do you keep outdoor plants alive indoors?

Plan Ahead: Start moving outdoor plants indoors before there's a hard frost. Trim: Cut plants back to a manageable size. Contain: Dig up annuals and move them to containers that will accommodate their size. Add a

high quality potting mix

as needed to secure the outdoor plant in the pot.

How do you turn an outdoor plant into an indoor plant?


Soak your plants

.

Skim debris off the top of the water with your plant submerged beneath to keep them clean when you take them out. Once they're done soaking, take them out, rinse them off and clean the planter to your satisfaction. Set out some towels and let them drain excess water before bringing them indoors.

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor plants?

Plants grown inside are generally species that thrive in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. … Tropical plants enjoy warm temperatures and humidity, but they do not require constant sunlight.

Outdoor plants can tolerate

a wider temperature range.

Do plants grow better outside or inside?

Depends on the plant – some plants grow best with more light, some with less light. Too much light can damage a plant. Plants that grow best with less light tend to grow better inside than out, while

other plants grow better outside

.

How do you keep outdoor potted plants alive?

  1. Choose the Correct Pot. Drainage is extremely important for your plant. …
  2. Use Good Potting Soil. …
  3. Watering: Not Too Much and Not Too Little. …
  4. Give Them Plenty of Light. …
  5. Keep Your Pet Away. …
  6. Learn About Your Plant. …
  7. Watch for Shade vs. …
  8. Keep an Eye on the Temperature.

How do you keep outdoor potted plants alive in the winter?

To keep outdoor plants alive through the winter months you will need to

water them thoroughly

. Insulate the watered soil with mulch to retain moisture and warmth. Cover and enclose the plants as necessary to prevent frost.

Should I bring my potted plants inside when it rains?


Bring them back inside before you go to bed

and don't leave them out overnight except in warmer months. Wind often comes along with rain. … After the rain, you need to bring the plant back indoors before the overcast clears. Direct sunlight will burn your indoor plants and can cause scorching damage to leaves.

What are good outdoor potted plants?

  • Anthurium. Also known as the flamingo flower, the anthurium is a great choice if you're looking for a feature pot plant that flowers throughout the year. …
  • Cordylines. …
  • Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) …
  • Pansies and violas. …
  • Palms. …
  • Cyclamen. …
  • Herbs and vegetables.

How do you winterize houseplants?

  1. You will need to bring your plants indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 45 degrees (F). …
  2. Inspect plants for insects and diseases, and treat as appropriate before bringing plants back inside. …
  3. If necessary, re-pot plants into larger containers, making sure to go one size up.

What does it mean when leaves turn yellow and fall off?


Overwatering or underwatering

are the most common culprits when a plant's leaves turn yellow. … Too much water can be just as damaging to leaves. When the soil doesn't drain well, an overdose of water leaves the soil waterlogged and root systems can literally drown. Without oxygen, roots start to die.

How cold can indoor plants tolerate?

Most can't handle temperatures

below 10 degrees at all

.

Plant damage might already happen with temperatures below 13 degrees (for instance with begonias). A few might be able to temporarily tolerate chilling temperatures but that doesn't mean that they really enjoy it!

How often do you water outdoor potted plants?

DO water outdoor container plants

at least once per day

.

The smaller the container, the more frequently you need to water. Soak the soil in containers in the morning, and, if the mercury in the thermometer climbs to 90 or above, give them another soaking in the afternoon.

How do you care for outdoor potted plants?

  1. Protect pots with bubble plastic or bring them under temporary cover.
  2. In very wet periods move plants under temporary cover if the compost becomes sodden, until it has dried out a little. …
  3. In wet weather, raise pots up off the ground on ‘feet' or similar to keep the bottom of the pot out of the water.

How long do plants last in pots?

Container gardening can be enjoyed for one season and discarded,

or designed to last for years

. When designing permanent containers, remember that the plants will be less hardy than usual because their roots are more exposed to fluctuating air temperature.

What plants will survive winter in a container?

  • Violas. There is no surprise that violas are the most popular winter plant for pots. …
  • Pansies. Remarkable as a winter plant, pansies can survive freezing coldness and can thrive vigorously when summer returns. …
  • Erica carnea. …
  • Gaultheria procumbens. …
  • Clivia. …
  • Hellebores. …
  • Sedum. …
  • Boxwood.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.