9 Plants You Should Bring Indoors Before Frost Hits
- Joao Nsita
- 17 hours ago
- 11 min read
Introduction
As the golden hues of autumn begin to settle across the garden and the air turns crisp, a familiar panic sets in for every dedicated gardener. It is that inevitable transition period where the beauty of the harvest season clashes with the looming threat of the first frost. For the average gardener, frost is not just a weather event; it is a silent thief that can undo months of hard work, weakening sensitive root systems and turning vibrant foliage into a black, mushy memory overnight.
However, this year is different. We aren't just reacting to the weather; we are embracing a lifestyle shift. According to recent trends on Pinterest and TikTok, the concept of the "Winter Sanctuary" is taking over. It’s no longer just about saving plants; it’s about curating a biophilic indoor oasis that boosts mental health during the dark months. The "Indoor Jungle" aesthetic is projected to be massive in 2025, with a focus on climate-adapted plants and sustainable gardening—meaning saving your current plants is trendier (and more eco-friendly) than buying new ones next spring.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the 9 essential plants to bring indoors, the science of acclimatization, and the latest pest-control hacks sweeping social media. We will transform your anxiety about the cold into an exciting project to greenify your home for the winter.
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Why Bring Plants Indoors? The Economic and Emotional Shift
Before we dive into the specific plants, it is crucial to understand the "why." In the past, many gardeners treated annuals and tender perennials as disposable. You bought them in May, enjoyed them until October, and let them die with the frost. But the economic landscape and sustainability trends of 2025 are changing that mindset.
1. The Economic "Save"
By protecting perennials and tender plants at the right time, you limit the likelihood of having to rebuy plants and replant them. A mature Hibiscus or a large pot of Rosemary can cost upwards of $50-$100 in the spring. bringing them inside is essentially putting money back in your pocket.
2. The "Plant Parent" Connection
We have seen a massive surge in emotional attachment to plants. On TikTok, users share "glow up" videos of their plants over years. Keeping a Coleus or Geranium alive for five or six years turns it into a family heirloom rather than a temporary decoration.
3. Year-Round Enjoyment
Many herbs and houseplants have minimal maintenance requirements and thrive in indoor conditions with little to no care. Having fresh basil in January or a blooming Begonia in February provides a massive serotonin boost when the world outside is gray.
The Golden Rule: When to Make the Move
Timing is everything. If you wait until the frost warning is on the news, you might be too late.
The 50°F (10°C) Threshold As a general rule of thumb, you should start moving your plants indoors when the nighttime temperatures drop consistently below 50°F (10°C). While some plants can tolerate a dip to 40°F, many tropicals (like Hibiscus and Caladiums) will go into shock if exposed to temperatures that low.
Know Your Zone Your USDA hardiness zone makes a big difference here.
Zones 3 to 6: You often need to move plants inside weeks earlier (late August to mid-September).
Zones 7 to 9: You may have until late October or even November.
The "Reverse Hardening Off" Method Just as you harden off seedlings in the spring, you must acclimate plants to the indoors.
Week 1: Bring them inside at night and put them back out during the day.
Week 2: Keep them inside for longer periods, perhaps in a sunroom or garage.
Week 3: Move them to their permanent indoor spot. This prevents leaf drop caused by the sudden change in humidity and light levels.
The Preparation Phase: The TikTok "Spa Day" Hack
Before any plant crosses your threshold, it needs a "Spa Day." This is a trend heavily circulated on "PlantTok" to ensure you don't bring spiders, aphids, or fungus gnats into your home.
The Inspection: Look under every leaf.
The Wash: Spray the foliage gently with a hose.
The Soak (The Hack): Mix a solution of mild castile soap and water in a large bucket. Invert your smaller potted plants and dunk the foliage (swishing gently) to dislodge pests.
The Soil Drench: A popular hack involves using a diluted Hydrogen Peroxide and water mix (1 part 3% peroxide to 4 parts water) to kill fungus gnat larvae in the soil without harming the plant.
9 Plants To Bring Inside Before Frost Kicks In
Here are the stars of the show—the plants that will transform your winter interior.
1. Geraniums (Pelargonium)
The Trend: "Cottagecore" is still raging on Pinterest, and nothing says cottage charm like a vintage pot of red geraniums on a windowsill.
The Care: The zonal geranium (or Pelargonium) is a classic summer favorite that, although stunning, does not tolerate frost at all. You have two trendy ways to save them:
The Houseplant Method: Pot them up, trim them back by one-third, and place them in your sunniest south-facing window. They may bloom sporadically all winter.
The Dormant Method: This old-school method is making a comeback for those with limited space. Dig them up, shake off all the soil from the roots, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark basement (around 45-50°F). Once a month, soak the roots in water for an hour and hang them back up. It looks dead, but come spring, you pot it up, and it explodes with life.
Pair this reading with our guide on Comforting Autumn Stew Recipes to enjoy while you garden.
2. Begonias
The Trend: "Goth Gardening" and dark foliage are trending for 2025. Rex Begonias with their dark, metallic, and swirl-patterned leaves fit this aesthetic perfectly.
The Care: Both tuberous and fibrous begonia varieties are sensitive to cold.
Fibrous (Wax) Begonias: These make excellent houseplants. Dig them up, pot them in fresh sterile soil (to avoid bringing in bugs), and place them in bright, indirect light. They need humidity, so placing them on a pebble tray is a great hack.
Tuberous Begonias: These need a rest. Once the foliage dies back after the first light frost, cut the stems, dig up the tubers, cure them (let them dry) for a week, and store them in peat moss in a cardboard box.
3. Hibiscus
The Trend: The "Tropical Maximalism" trend. People are using large Hibiscus trees as statement pieces in living rooms to combat the winter blues.
The Care: Tropical hibiscus varieties typically cannot handle frost. Unlike the hardy hibiscus (Rose of Sharon), the tropical variety will turn to mush at 32°F.
Placement: You must place them indoors near a sunny windowsill. South-facing is non-negotiable if you want blooms.
Watering: Reduce watering frequency. In winter, they rest. Only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Warning: They will drop leaves when you first bring them in. Do not panic! This is a tantrum caused by the change in light. Keep caring for it, and it will rebound.
4. Coleus
The Trend: Propagation Stations. Coleus is the easiest plant to propagate, and TikTok is obsessed with glass propagation walls.
The Care: Coleus is primarily known for its vibrant foliage, but it can quickly deteriorate if exposed to prolonged harsh frost. It essentially melts.
The Hack: Instead of digging up the huge, leggy mother plant, take 4-inch cuttings from healthy stems. Root them in a jar of water on your windowsill. They look beautiful as decor, and by spring, you will have rooted clones to plant out. This saves space and ensures you have fresh, vigorous plants for next year.
Check out our Spicy Date Night Pasta Recipe for a meal as vibrant as your Coleus.
5. Caladiums
The Trend: "Pink Plants." The aesthetic of pink foliage is huge on Instagram, and Caladiums are the queens of pink.
The Care: These tropical bulbs are true heat lovers. They despise the cold.
Storage: They function like Tuberous Begonias. You usually don't keep these growing as houseplants because they require high heat and humidity that winter homes lack.
Action: Dig them out before frost, let the leaves die back naturally, trim them, and store the bulbs in a cool (not freezing), dark place. Mesh bags hung in a basement work wonders.
6. Fuchsias
The Trend: Hanging indoor gardens. Utilizing vertical space with trailing plants is a key design trend for small apartments in 2025.
The Care: If you’re growing fuchsias in hanging baskets or containers, it’s a good idea to bring them inside before frost kicks in full power.
Active Growth: Keep them in a cool room (50-60°F) with bright light. Keep the soil barely moist.
Dormancy: You can also let them go dormant in a garage that doesn't freeze. Cut them back to 6 inches, water only once a month, and bring them out in March.
7. Citrus Trees (Lemon, Lime, Orange)
The Trend: "Edible Interiors." The idea of picking a lemon from your living room tree for a cocktail is the ultimate luxury trend.
The Care: Small potted citrus trees (like Meyer Lemons) are much more frost-sensitive compared to larger varieties.
Light: They are light hogs. They need 8-12 hours of sun. If you don't have a conservatory, you must invest in a grow light. A simple ring light or a bulb in a standard lamp will do wonders.
Humidity: Winter air is dry. Mist them daily or use a humidifier.
Feeding: Stop fertilizing in winter. Let them rest.
Use those lemons in our Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pancake Recipe.
8. Herbs
The Trend: The "Kitchen Apothecary." Drying herbs and having fresh pots on the counter is part of the holistic wellness movement.
The Care:
The Tender Ones: Classic tender herbs like basil will die back at the first sign of frost. Honestly? Harvest the basil and make pesto. It rarely survives the transition indoors well.
The Hardy Ones: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and chives adapt well. Dig them up, put them in terra cotta pots (which breathe well), and put them in your kitchen window.
Tip: Rotate the pots every few days so they grow evenly and don't lean toward the glass.
9. Succulents & Tender Perennials
The Trend: "Desert Chic." Minimalist, architectural plants like massive Aloe Veras or Jade plants are staples in modern decor.
The Care: All your classic succulent plants like jade, aloe vera, and Echeveria need a completely frost-free environment.
The Danger: The combination of cold + wet is fatal for them.
Indoors: Put them in your brightest window. Do. Not. Water. Them. Seriously, water them maybe once a month in winter. They will rot if you look at them with a watering can in hand during December.
Where Should I Put My Plants Indoors?
Styling your plants indoors is an art form. While plant placement mainly depends on you and your indoor environment, my general suggestion would be to place it near a sunny window (south or west-facing) where direct or filtered light hits the plant most during the daytime.
The "Grow Light" Revolution If light is limited, or you feel it’s unsafe to place the plant near the window (drafts are a killer!), supplement with simple grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.
Trend Alert: In 2025, grow lights aren't ugly purple industrial lamps anymore. Brands are releasing "halo" lights that clip onto pots and look like chic decor, or bulbs that fit into standard brass floor lamps. You can maintain your aesthetic while keeping your Citrus alive.
Troubleshooting: The Winter Blues
Even with the best care, things go wrong. Here is a quick diagnostic guide:
Yellowing Leaves: Usually overwatering. The plant drinks less in winter; stop drowning it!
Leggy Growth: Not enough light. Move closer to the window or add a lamp.
Webbing on leaves: Spider mites. They love dry, warm winter air. Increase humidity and wipe leaves.
While you tend to your plants, enjoy a warm bowl of Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup.
Conclusion
As much as I love and enjoy frost and the stunning look it brings to the garden, the truth is that some of my plants definitely do not appreciate frost the same way, and I’ve learned that I must cater to their preferences if I want them to thrive in the long run.
Since the cold season is just around the corner with frost about to kick in soon, it’s time you make yourself aware of the cold reality and take appropriate action. Figure out the frost dates in your area and start moving your plants indoors now! By embracing this seasonal shift, you aren't just gardening; you are curating a living, breathing home environment that sustains you through the winter.
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10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I really need to change the soil before bringing plants inside? Yes, it is highly recommended. Garden soil is heavy and may contain eggs of pests like slugs or worms that you don't want hatching on your carpet. Use a lightweight, sterile potting mix for the best indoor results.
2. Can I prune my plants before bringing them in? Absolutely. Pruning back leggy growth helps the plant conserve energy and makes it easier to fit into your house. Geraniums and Hibiscus, in particular, benefit from a "haircut" before moving indoors.
3. My Hibiscus dropped all its leaves after I brought it in. Is it dead? Likely not! Hibiscus are dramatic. They react to the change in humidity and light by shedding leaves. Keep the soil barely moist, give it bright light, and it should leaf out again in a few weeks.
4. How do I get rid of fungus gnats? These are the tiny black flies that hover over the soil. The best TikTok-approved hack is using "Mosquito Bits" (soaked in water) to water your plants, or using sticky yellow traps to catch the adults. Letting the soil dry out more between waterings also helps.
5. Do I need a humidifier? For plants like Ferns, Hibiscus, and Citrus, yes. Central heating dries out the air significantly. If you don't have a humidifier, grouping plants together creates a micro-climate of humidity, or you can place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water.
6. Can I bring annuals like Petunias inside? Technically yes, but it is rarely worth the effort. They require intense light and often become "leggy" and pest-prone indoors. It is usually better to take cuttings or start fresh seeds in the spring.
7. What is the best temperature for overwintering dormant plants? For plants you are storing in a dormant state (like Caladium bulbs or bare-root Geraniums), you want a temperature range of 45°F to 55°F. It needs to be cold enough to keep them sleeping, but not freezing.
8. Should I fertilize my plants during winter? Generally, no. Most plants enter a semi-dormant state in winter due to lower light levels. Fertilizing them can burn the roots or encourage weak growth. Resume feeding in late February or March when the days get longer.
9. How do I clean my plant leaves? Dust blocks sunlight. Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the leaves of broad-leaf plants like Citrus or Rubber trees. For smaller leaves, a gentle spray in the shower works well.
10. Can I use my regular outdoor pots inside? Check for drainage holes! Outdoor pots must have drainage. If you bring them inside, you must put a saucer underneath to catch water, or you will ruin your floors.
Internal Recipe Links for A Cozy Winter
To make your home feel as cozy as your plants, try these recipes:
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