As summer winds down and the nights grow cooler, it’s time to think about bringing your favorite houseplants back indoors. After thriving in the fresh air and sunshine all season, your plants will need some extra care to make the transition smooth. A little preparation now helps prevent pests, reduces stress, and ensures your plants stay healthy through the winter months.
Start with a Clean-Up
Before moving plants inside, give them a thorough inspection. Check leaves, stems, and soil for pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and rinse plants gently with a hose if needed. Removing dead leaves and trimming back leggy growth will also keep your plants looking fresh and tidy indoors.
Refresh the Coast of Maine Organic Soil
Summer growth can take a toll on soil quality. Nutrients get used up, and soil structure can become compacted after months of watering. Before bringing plants inside, it’s a great time to refresh the organic soil. Remove the top couple of inches of tired soil and replace it with fresh, nutrient-rich organic soil. For container plants that feel root-bound, consider gently repotting them into a slightly larger container with new organic soil.
We recommend Cape Neddick Blend Indoor Houseplant Mix.
Why does this matter? Healthy organic soil replenishes the food your plants will need for winter, improves drainage, and boosts microbial life in the pot. With less sunlight indoors, plants won’t grow as vigorously as they did outside, so having a fresh soil foundation helps them make the most of limited light and water.
Adjust Gradually
Your plants have grown used to bright summer sun, so don’t shock them by moving them straight into low indoor light. Start by placing them in a shady outdoor spot for a week or two, then transition them indoors near a bright window. This step-down approach helps prevent leaf drop and stress.
Water with Care
Indoor conditions are very different from the outdoors—less airflow, drier air from heating, and lower light. This means your plants will need less water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again to avoid root rot.
Keep Them Happy All Winter
Once inside, continue to check your plants regularly for pests, rotate them for even light, and dust leaves so they can breathe. A mid-winter boost of organic fertilizer can also help keep them strong until they can head back outside again in spring.
Bringing your plants back indoors is more than just moving pots—it’s about preparing them for a new environment. By cleaning them up, refreshing their organic soil, and easing the transition, you’ll set your plants up to thrive all winter long.
