Remember to Bring These Plants Inside Before September Ends

As the warm summer days begin to fade and the nights grow cooler, it’s time to start thinking about the plants in your garden and outdoor spaces.

For those of us who have spent all summer nurturing our plants, the approach of fall signals a crucial task: bringing certain plants indoors before the first frost hits.

I’ve learned through experience that timing is everything when it comes to moving plants inside.

If you wait too long, a sudden drop in temperature can damage or even kill your beloved greenery.

In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and tips on which plants you should definitely bring inside before September ends to ensure they thrive through the colder months.

By being proactive, you can keep your plants healthy and ready to flourish again next spring.

Why Timing Matters

The end of September marks the transition from late summer to early fall, a period when temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.

One day might still feel like summer, while the next brings a chill that reminds you winter is on its way.

This unpredictable weather can be stressful for many plants, especially those that are not cold-hardy.

In my own garden, I’ve seen how quickly a sudden frost can damage tender plants.

A few years ago, I left my tropical plants outside a little too long, thinking the mild days would continue.

Unfortunately, an unexpected cold snap hit, and I lost several plants overnight.

It was a tough lesson, but it taught me to be more cautious with my timing.

By bringing your plants inside before the end of September, you give them a chance to acclimate to their new indoor environment gradually, reducing the risk of shock and ensuring they stay healthy through the winter.

1. Tropical Plants

Tropical plants like hibiscus, palms, and orchids are among the first that should be brought indoors as fall approaches.

These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and are highly sensitive to cold.

Even a slight dip in temperature can cause them to suffer.

I’ve grown hibiscus plants for years, and they always put on a stunning display during the summer months.

But once the nights start getting cooler, I know it’s time to bring them inside.

If left outside too long, the leaves can turn yellow, and the plant may stop blooming altogether.

When bringing tropical plants indoors, it’s essential to place them in a bright, sunny spot, ideally near a south-facing window.

If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, consider using grow lights to supplement.

Additionally, these plants love humidity, so placing them on a humidity tray or misting them regularly can help them adjust to indoor conditions.

2. Herbs

Herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme are popular choices for container gardens, and they can continue to thrive indoors if you bring them inside before the cold weather sets in.

I always make sure to move my herb garden indoors by the end of September, especially since many herbs are not frost-tolerant.

Basil, in particular, is very sensitive to cold temperatures.

A few years ago, I made the mistake of leaving my basil outside a bit too long, thinking it could handle a light frost.

I was wrong.

The leaves turned black overnight, and the plant never recovered.

To avoid this, I now bring my herbs inside early and place them on a sunny windowsill where they can continue to get the light they need.

If you have limited space, consider growing your herbs in smaller pots that can easily fit on a windowsill or kitchen counter.

Not only will you have fresh herbs all winter, but you’ll also enjoy the added greenery in your home.

3. Citrus Trees

Citrus trees, such as lemon, lime, and orange trees, are another group of plants that need to be brought indoors before the temperatures drop.

These trees are native to warm climates and do not tolerate frost well.

I’ve been growing a lemon tree in a pot for several years, and it’s become a centerpiece of my patio during the summer.

However, as soon as the nights start to cool down, I know it’s time to bring it inside.

Citrus trees need plenty of light to thrive indoors, so placing them in the brightest spot in your home is crucial.

South-facing windows are ideal, but if that’s not an option, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary light.

One thing I’ve learned is that citrus trees can be a bit finicky when transitioning from outdoors to indoors.

They may drop some leaves as they adjust to the lower light levels, but don’t panic—this is normal.

Just be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, avoid overwatering, and your citrus tree should settle in nicely.

4. Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti are popular for their low-maintenance nature, but they still need some care when it comes to seasonal changes.

While many succulents and cacti can tolerate cooler temperatures, they are not immune to frost, which can cause severe damage.

I have a collection of succulents and cacti that I keep on my patio during the summer, and they always add a unique touch to the space.

However, as the nights get cooler, I make it a point to bring them inside before the end of September.

Succulents and cacti need bright light, so placing them near a sunny window is essential.

I also reduce watering once they’re indoors, as they don’t need as much moisture during the winter months.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common problem for succulents and cacti kept indoors.

If you have a lot of these plants, consider creating a dedicated indoor succulent garden where they can all get the light they need without being crowded.

5. Begonias

Begonias are beloved for their vibrant blooms and attractive foliage, making them a favorite in many gardens.

However, begonias are not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors before the temperatures drop too low.

I’ve grown begonias in both containers and garden beds, and they always add a splash of color to my outdoor spaces.

But I’ve learned that they can’t handle the cold, so I make sure to bring them inside before the end of September.

When moving begonias indoors, it’s important to place them in a spot with bright, indirect light can scorch their leaves, so I typically place mine near an east or west-facing window where they get plenty of light without being exposed to harsh rays.

One year, I experimented with keeping my begonias in a slightly cooler room indoors, and they continued to bloom well into the winter.

It’s important to maintain a consistent watering routine, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.

Begonias can be prone to root rot if overwatered, so allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings is a good practice.

If you’re short on space, consider trimming back your begonias slightly before bringing them inside.

This will not only make them more manageable but also encourage new growth once they’re settled indoors.

6. Geraniums

Geraniums are another popular summer plant that can be overwintered indoors if brought in before the first frost.

These vibrant, flowering plants are relatively easy to care for, making them a staple in many gardens.

I’ve had great success with overwintering geraniums, but the key is to bring them inside before the nighttime temperatures dip too low.

Geraniums prefer a bright, sunny spot indoors, much like they do outside.

I’ve found that placing them near a south or west-facing window works well.

When transitioning geraniums from outdoors to indoors, it’s a good idea to check for any pests or dead leaves and trim them off.

This helps reduce the risk of bringing pests indoors and encourages healthy growth.

One trick I’ve used over the years is to allow my geraniums to go dormant by placing them in a cool, dark room and watering them sparingly.

This mimics their natural resting period, and in the spring, I bring them back into the light and resume regular watering.

They usually bounce back with vigorous new growth, ready to be moved outside again.

7. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are known for their stunning, pendulous flowers that attract hummingbirds and add a tropical flair to any garden.

However, they are not cold-hardy and need to be brought indoors before the temperatures begin to drop.

I’ve always enjoyed growing fuchsias in hanging baskets, where their delicate blooms can be admired up close.

As fall approaches, I make sure to bring them inside before the nights get too cold.

Fuchsias prefer cool, bright conditions indoors.

I usually place mine in a bright, indirect light location, such as a north-facing window or a room with filtered sunlight.

Fuchsias can be a bit finicky about their water needs, so it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

One winter, I tried cutting back my fuchsias before bringing them indoors, and it helped them acclimate better to the indoor environment.

By trimming back the foliage, you reduce the plant’s water needs and help prevent shock during the transition.

Once spring arrives, you can gradually bring them back outdoors, and they should reward you with a fresh burst of blooms.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its medicinal properties and easy-care nature.

While it’s relatively hardy, aloe vera is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors before the first frost.

I keep several aloe vera plants on my patio during the summer, and they thrive in the warm, sunny conditions.

However, as soon as the temperatures start to drop, I bring them inside to avoid frost damage.

Aloe vera plants prefer bright, indirect light when kept indoors.

I’ve found that a south-facing window is ideal, but they can also do well under grow lights if natural light is limited.

One important thing to remember with aloe vera is to reduce watering once it’s inside.

These plants are succulents and can easily rot if overwatered, especially in the cooler, less humid indoor environment.

I water my indoor aloe vera plants about once every three weeks during the winter months, just enough to keep the leaves plump.

If you have an aloe vera plant that has outgrown its pot, winter is a good time to repot it.

The plant is not actively growing during this time, so it can adjust to its new container without the stress of rapid growth.

9. Gardenias

Gardenias are cherished for their fragrant, creamy white flowers and glossy green leaves.

However, these beautiful plants are quite sensitive to cold and should be brought indoors well before the first frost.

I’ve grown gardenias for several years, and I always look forward to their blooms.

But I’ve learned that they are very particular about their growing conditions, especially when it comes to temperature.

Gardenias prefer a warm, humid environment with plenty of bright, indirect light.

I place mine in a room with a humidifier to maintain the humidity levels they love, and I make sure they get enough light by placing them near an east-facing window.

One winter, I struggled with my gardenia because the indoor air was too dry, causing the leaves to yellow and drop.

Since then, I’ve been diligent about misting the leaves regularly and keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Gardenias can be prone to spider mites indoors, so I check the undersides of the leaves regularly and treat any infestations promptly.

With a little extra care, gardenias can continue to bloom indoors, filling your home with their delightful fragrance even during the coldest months.

10. Caladiums

Caladiums are known for their striking, heart-shaped leaves in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and green.

These tropical plants add a bold splash of color to any garden, but they are not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors before the temperatures drop.

I’ve grown caladiums in both containers and garden beds, and their unique foliage always draws compliments.

However, I’ve learned that they can’t handle cold weather, so I make sure to bring them inside before the end of September.

Caladiums prefer warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light.

When bringing them indoors, I place them in a room with a humidifier to mimic their natural environment.

If the light is insufficient, I use grow lights to ensure they continue to thrive.

One year, I decided to let my caladiums go dormant over the winter by reducing watering and allowing the foliage to die back naturally.

I stored the tubers in a cool, dark place, and in the spring, I replanted them outside.

They came back even more vigorous than before, ready to put on another stunning display.

11. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a stunning, vining plant known for its vibrant, papery bracts that come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and orange.

While it thrives in warm, sunny conditions, bougainvillea is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors before the first frost.

I’ve grown bougainvillea in large containers, and they always add a tropical flair to my patio.

However, as soon as the temperatures start to dip, I make sure to bring them inside to avoid frost damage.

Bougainvillea prefers a bright, sunny spot indoors.

I place mine near a south-facing window where they can get plenty of light.

One challenge I’ve faced with overwintering bougainvillea is managing their watering needs.

They require less water during the winter months, and overwatering can lead to root rot.

I water them sparingly, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.

If you have limited space, consider pruning your bougainvillea before bringing it indoors.

This not only makes it more manageable but also encourages new growth in the spring.

Preparing Your Plants for the Move Indoors

Before bringing any plant indoors, it’s important to prepare them for the transition.

This process helps minimize stress and reduces the risk of bringing pests inside.

Here’s how I prepare my plants for their indoor stay:

1. Inspect for Pests: Before moving any plant inside, I carefully inspect the leaves, stems, and soil for pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.

If I find any, I treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil before bringing it indoors.

2. Gradual Transition: I start moving my plants to a shaded area a week or two before bringing them indoors.

This helps them acclimate to the lower light levels they’ll experience inside.

3. Prune and Clean: I trim back any dead or yellowing leaves and clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

This helps the plants make the most of the available light indoors.

4. Repot if Necessary: If a plant has outgrown its pot, I take the opportunity to repot it before bringing it indoors.

This gives the plant fresh soil and more room to grow during the winter months.

Final Thoughts

As the end of September approaches, it’s time to start thinking about which of your outdoor plants need to come inside for the winter.

By bringing these plants indoors before the first frost, you can protect them from cold damage and ensure they continue to thrive.

Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that the key to successfully overwintering plants is to be proactive and attentive to their needs.

Whether it’s finding the right spot in your home, adjusting your watering routine, or providing extra humidity, each plant will have its own requirements.

With a little planning and care, you can enjoy your favorite plants all year round and look forward to bringing them back outside when the warm weather returns.

Happy gardening!