Time To Bring Your Tropicals Back Inside

As the weather begins to cool in early fall, it’s time to bring your tropical plants back indoors after their summer vacation outside. These plants—such as hibiscus, monstera, palms, or citrus—thrive in the warmth and humidity of summer but can suffer once nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). However, before reintroducing them to your indoor space, it’s important to transition them carefully and take steps to ensure you’re not also inviting pests inside. A sudden shift in light, humidity, or temperature can shock plants, so start by gradually acclimating them to indoor conditions over a week or two. Move them into shadier spots outside, then into a garage, porch, or near an open window before settling them indoors.

One of the biggest concerns when bringing plants back inside is avoiding hitchhiking insects like aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, or fungus gnats. Start with a thorough inspection of the leaves (top and underside), stems, and soil. You can gently hose off the entire plant with water to dislodge pests, or even soak smaller pots in a solution of lukewarm water and insecticidal soap for 15–20 minutes to flush out bugs hiding in the soil. Scrape off any visible pests or eggs with your fingers or a soft cloth. Applying neem oil or an insecticidal soap spray can help prevent infestations before they start. It’s also wise to quarantine plants indoors for a week or two to monitor for any lingering pests before placing them near your other houseplants. With a little care and attention, your tropicals can transition smoothly back indoors for the winter.