A Tradescantia zebrine hanging basket adds outdoor interest in the warmer months.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Moving Plants Indoors in Winter
Temperatures of 50 °F or lower can damage many tropical plants. It is a good idea to move houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same. Plants need to readjust to life indoors before the heat is turned on. Before taking them inside, however, getting rid of pests on the plant or in the soil is important. It is especially important for those plants that have been sitting on the ground. For more information, see HGIC 2252, Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests.
A Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’) is well suited for growing inside in low light conditions.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Inspect the plants carefully. Take them out of their pots to see if anything has crawled through the drainage holes. Gently wash the leaves and stems with the hose. Allow them time to dry, and spray the entire plant (upper and lower surfaces of leaves), soil, and pot with an insecticidal soap.
This soap is safe for people and pets. Leave plants outside for several days. Reapply insecticidal soap and take plants indoors two to three days later.
Some plants hold the soap solution on their leaf surfaces, which may cause burning. Before using an insecticidal soap, check the label to see if the plant is listed. If not, test a small area on the plant’s foliage for sensitivity. It may take seven to ten days for symptoms to appear. For more information, see HGIC 2771, Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control.
For about a week, gradually reduce light levels by moving plants from sun to light shade to heavy shade and finally indoors. When plants are moved indoors, ensure the light conditions are as close as possible to that outdoors. Once indoors, the plant may develop leaf yellowing or drop as it adjusts to lower light.
The Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’) can be moved outside to a shady area in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Moving Plants Outdoors in Spring
Most plants, except those with fuzzy leaves (e.g., African violet), benefit from a summer outdoors. Move them outside after frost, which is about early to mid-April in the Coastal Plains and mid-to-late April in the Upstate (take them in if there is an unexpected cold night predicted). To be safe, wait until temperatures moderate in the spring and consistently exceed 60 ° F at night.
Gradually expose them to sunlight by placing them in deep shade under a tree for a few days and gradually moving them into brighter sunlight. Plants moved immediately into direct sunlight will burn and can become severely damaged.
Most succulents and cacti tolerate full sun, while other flowering plants like dappled light. Place foliage plants in heavy to light shade, depending on their needs. Try to place them out of drying winds and in a spot where they will receive rain. Allow for good drainage by setting the container on pot feet or bricks, making sure that the drainage holes are not blocked. Never place a container in a saucer that will hold water; it may hold too much water and cause root rot.
Allow for good drainage by setting the container on pot feet.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Use four small concrete blocks or bricks to elevate the container off the ground. Make sure the container drain holes are not blocked.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Plants grow more rapidly outdoors than indoors, requiring more frequent fertilization and watering. In the heat of summer, it may be necessary to water daily, especially when rainfall is not adequate. For more information, see HGIC 1459, Indoor Plants-Watering.
Originally published 09/99
