As autumn is fully upon us, we have seen some of our outdoor plants perish due to the colder temperatures. Not all plants can thrive indoors during the colder months, but we can’t get enough of the ones that can! Check out our post on 5 great indoor-outdoor plants for some more ideas of what to buy this fall that can live all year long, either inside or outside depending on the season. Here are 5 (more) outdoor plants that can come inside for winter.
Succulents
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest
Succulents are a great type of plant to move between indoors and outdoors because they are so resilient. Varieties such as snake plants and aloe vera are particularly favorable to move between seasons. Aloe vera loves warm temperatures and direct sunlight, so it is happy to be outdoors in the summer (with a light shade on particularly hot days) and inside under a grow light or next to a south-facing window during the colder seasons. Snake plants should gradually be moved between indoors and outdoors. Start by changing their location for a few hours a day and slowly increase hours until it is ready to be moved full-time. Make sure if the temperature ever drops below 55°F, your snake plant is indoors, regardless of where it is in its exposure process.Amaryllis
Photo Courtesy of Hyannis Country Garden
Typically popular around the holiday season, many people don’t know that amaryllis plants can continue to grow into the new year! Although the flowers displayed during the fall and winter will wane, the bulbs can resprout in the spring. Since this plant needs warm temperatures, you can move the planter with the amaryllis bulb outdoors into an area of partial shade once there is no chance for morning frost in the spring. Whether indoors or outdoors, this plant needs weekly watering and plenty of indirect sunlight to harvest that familiar, beautiful bloom.Ficus
Photo Courtesy of HGTV
Ficus trees add a classic element to the home, and you can maintain this year-round by planting your tree in a lightweight planter with drainage holes. Because this tree prefers temperatures above 70°F, your potted Ficus should be moved inside during the fall and winter and kept away from any doors or windows that might create a draft. This tree needs high humidity, so place your tree on a pebble tray outdoors or use a small humidifier when it is inside (running a heater in the house can make for extremely dry air, so make sure to check in on your Ficus during these indoor months!). Bright, indirect sunlight is crucial to your tree’s life, so placing it under a larger trees’ canopy or an awning while outdoors, and under a grow light or near a non-south-facing window indoors, is important for your tree to maintain its beauty all year.Peppers
Photo Courtesy of Bonnie Plants
Who wouldn’t want to have fresh peppers on hand all year long? Growing peppers is surprisingly simple and they can live year-round by relocating them depending on the season. By planting your seeds in a pot instead of a garden bed, you can easily transport these vegetables inside when it starts to get cool and won’t need to wait until spring to start seeing your sprouts. Peppers strongly prefer hot temperatures to grow, so allowing your plants to be outside during the hottest months of the year will encourage their growth and allow them ample access to the direct sunlight they crave. As temperatures start to drop, you can bring the pots indoors and alter your attention to help them thrive in this new environment. When inside, you may want to consider buying a heat mat to place underneath the pots to add heat to the soil and encourage growth. When inside, placing the plant directly under a grow light will also help better encourage growth despite the cold temperatures and fewer daylight hours.Calla Lily
Calla Lilies are majestic plants that produce beautiful flowers and foliage alike. These plants thrive on high levels of water, so watering often indoors and outdoors is crucial. If you live in an area that doesn’t get too hot in the summer (65°F-85°F) your lilies will love direct sunlight during the day, but if it gets much warmer in the summer months, try relocating your lilies somewhere they can be in the shade during the day, and absorb direct light in the early and late daylight hours. These flowers do not appreciate cold temperatures, so make sure your lilies are never in temperatures below 55°F. When moving your plant from inside to outside, make sure to allow a gradual transition so that the plant is not overwhelmed by sudden intense light exposure or temperature changes. For ease of relocation, plant your lilies in pots that are 6-8 inches deep to allow the roots room to grow and leave space for generous watering! Sources: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com https://indoorgardening.com/growing-peppers-indoors/ https://simplifyplants.com/snake-plant-outside/ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/indoor-and-outdoor-succulent-guide#6-common-indoor-succulent-varieties
