By Bob Westerfield
University of Georgia

When wintry weather rolls in, landscape plants must fend off 
cold temperatures and frost on their own. But some potted 
plants are lucky enough to get a free pass indoors. 

Without proper care, though, these new houseplants can have 
difficulty living through the winter indoors. There are some 
things you can do to make sure they survive just fine.

First, consider the temperature. Many container plants live on 
outdoor porches during the summer and early fall months. As 
temperatures dip to 50 degrees or less, plant owners begin to 
move plants indoors. 

The best way to protect outdoor potted plants is to first bring 
them into a garage or basement that is a little warmer than the 
outdoors, but not as toasty as inside the house. If the plants 
are moved immediately from 50 degrees to 75 degrees, some may 
become stressed and suffer. 

Plants should be acclimated slowly by a gradual increase in 
temperature. After a week or two, bring the plants into the 
warm house. 

Most house plants grow best in daytime temperatures between 65 
degrees and 75 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 60 
degrees and 65 degrees. To further protect them, keep 
houseplants away from cold, drafty windows or hot radiators, 
stoves or air vents. Also keep houseplant foliage from touching 
cold windows. This can burn the leaves.

Humidity is important. Most houseplants prefer a humidity level 
of 40 percent to 50 percent. The relative humidity in most 
homes is closer to 15 percent – a level much too low for most 
houseplants.

Raise humidity levels by using a humidifier or grouping plants 
together. Placing houseplants on saucers filled with gravel or 
small pebbles and water will also increase humidity. The 
bottoms of the pots should always be above the water level.

Don’t mist houseplants in an effort to raise the relative 
humidity. Misting would have to be done several times 
throughout the day to have any real affect.

In general, houseplants don’t require as much water during the 
winter months. That doesn’t mean they can be completely 
ignored. The type of houseplant and soil will determine the 
water needs. 

Ferns prefer evenly moist soil and fairly frequent watering. 
Cacti and succulents should only be watered when the potting 
soil becomes completely dry. Most houseplants fall somewhere 
between these extremes and should be watered when the soil is 
barely moist or almost dry to the touch. 

When watering, apply a thorough amount. Water the plant until 
water drains out of the bottom of the pot. 

Be sure that plants have good drainage. Never allow plants to 
sit in excess water unless the pot is placed on gravel to raise 
humidity.

Drastically reduce or eliminate fertilizer during the winter 
months since most plants grow very little. Fertilize again in 
late March or April as growing conditions improve and the 
plants begin to flush out.

It’s important to keep houseplants clean while they rest 
through the winter. Grease and dust can accumulate on leaves 
and slow down the normal transpiration. Cleaning houseplants 
also improves their appearance, stimulates growth and can help 
control insects and mites.

Large, firm-leafed plants can be cleaned with a soft sponge or 
cloth dipped in a mild solution of dishwashing soap and 
lukewarm water. Leaves can also be cleaned by placing the 
plants in the shower under lukewarm water.