Many gardeners extend their growing season by keeping plants in pots—from flowering shrubs to herbs and even houseplants—to enjoy outdoor living spaces longer. But as temperatures drop, these potted plants face unique challenges that ground-planted varieties don’t. The key to their survival lies in understanding why containers make them more vulnerable and how to transition them indoors properly.
Why Potted Plants Need Winter Protection
Plants in containers have restricted root systems compared to those in the ground, making them more susceptible to freezing. Roots can become rootbound, circling the pot’s interior and increasing their vulnerability. The limited soil volume also provides less insulation against cold temperatures, exposing roots from all sides.
A crucial issue is drainage: snow and ice can block drainage holes, leading to waterlogged soil and root rot. Even with sunshine warming the surface, the lower pot portion can remain frozen or cycle between freezing and thawing, causing frost heaving (where the ground freezes and expands, lifting the plant out of the soil).
Ground-planted plants have more buffered roots, with exposure limited to above-ground parts. Containers offer no such advantage.
6 Types of Plants That Need Indoor Shelter
Not all plants require indoor overwintering, but for those that don’t survive cold temperatures or need controlled conditions, bringing them inside is essential. Here are six categories:
- Tropicals: Palms, monsteras, figs, citrus, and birds of paradise thrive in warm climates and will suffer in frost.
- Subtropicals: Cordyline, jasmine, bougainvillea, and poinsettias need warmer temperatures than many regions provide during winter.
- Tender Herbs: Rosemary and bay laurel are frost-sensitive in colder zones.
- Flowering Perennials: Hibiscus, geraniums, begonias, and fuschias can be overwintered indoors to extend their lifespan beyond a single season.
- Foliage Plants: Snake plants, pothos, philodendrons, and peace lilies adapt well to indoor environments.
- Succulents: Aloes, cacti, jade plants, and hanging succulents like donkey’s tail need dry conditions and will suffer in excessive winter moisture.
The Right Way to Transition Indoors
Plants experience stress when their environment changes suddenly. Gradual acclimation is critical. Over a week or two, slowly adjust them to indoor conditions.
First, prune off dead leaves and flowers and remove debris from the soil surface. Thoroughly clean the plant and pot with insecticidal soap or diluted dish soap to eliminate pests and dirt; rinse and dry.
Then, move pots to a sheltered outdoor location—under an eave or on a covered porch—to reduce direct sun exposure. After several days, bring them indoors overnight, gradually increasing the indoor time while still allowing some outdoor exposure for another day or two before making the transition permanent.
By following these steps, you can ensure your potted plants survive the winter and thrive again when warmer weather returns. The key is to understand their vulnerabilities and provide a smooth transition to a controlled indoor environment.
