Time to Bring the Tropicals Inside

Citrus, bananas and other tropical plants that spend the summer outside need to come in before the cold. A good rule: bring bananas in before nights drop below about 50°F, and citrus before nights drop below about 40°F. Key limes are among the most cold-tender citrus, so they come in first.

Before a plant comes in

Look it over for bugs. Check under the leaves and where the leaves meet the stems. Mealybugs, scale and spider mites are easy to bring inside by accident, and they spread fast indoors. Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water, or treat with insecticidal soap if you find any.

Clean up the pot. Pull weeds, pick up fallen leaves and wipe off the outside of the pot.

Once it’s inside

Give it the brightest spot you have, like a south-facing window, away from heat vents and cold drafts. Bananas like it warm, so keep them away from cold glass and outside doors.

Water less. Plants grow slower indoors in winter and need less water. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before you water.

Hold off on fertilizer until spring.

Expect some leaf drop the first couple of weeks. It’s normal after a move. If it keeps dropping, check the light first, then the watering and drafts.

Our Citrus & Tropical Plant Care guide has more on winter care, including how to hand-pollinate citrus flowers indoors.

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