Tools and Materials

Tools

Plant Stand
Humidity trays

Materials

Burlap garden fleece
frost blankets
Mulch
Bubble wrap
Insecticidal soap

Preparation Stage

Before you start learning how to winterize potted plants, some extra preparation is necessary.

Identify the Hardiness Level of Your Plants

Identifying the hardiness level will help you determine whether to shift the plant inside or not.

Cold-hardy plants such as pansies, lavender and junipers can withstand frost and lower temperatures.
Tender plants like succulents, tropical plants and herbs like basil should be brought indoors, as they struggle to survive in freezing temperatures.

Here is a table to help you decide the hardiness of different plants that are commonly used at home.

A table showing the hardiness, cold tolerance & ideal wintering temperature of common house plants.

Choose a Location for Winterization

A good location is crucial to protect your plants. Identify a sheltered area where the plants can be shielded from harsh winds and extreme temperatures, such as a garage, basement or a spot near the house walls for added insulation.

Steps to Winterize Outdoor Potted Plants

For the plants that cannot be shifted inside, we need to winterize them properly outside so they can endure the cold climate. Here is how to protect outdoor potted plants in winter.

Raising the pots slightly off the ground helps with drainage and prevents the roots from sitting in cold, damp soil.

Use plant stands to lift the pots to prevent them from freezing to the ground and improve air circulation.
Make sure drainage holes are clear to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Wrap burlap, garden fleece or frost blankets around the pots. This helps keep the soil warmer and protects roots from freezing.

Tip

For extra-sensitive plants, you can wrap the pots in bubble wrap beneath the burlap layer for additional insulation.

Next, mulch is applied to the soil to insulate the roots.

Mulch helps retain warmth and moisture in the soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer over the surface. You can use straw, pine needles or shredded Leaves as mulch.
Overwatering can lead to frozen roots, which is damaging for potted plants. Check the soil once a week and only water when it feels dry a couple of inches below the surface. Use water at room temperature to avoid shock.

Caution

Avoid mulch on delicate plants such as succulents; they can develop rot if mulch holds too much moisture around them. Be cautious with tender species.

Steps to Winterizing Plants Indoors

For certain plants, bringing them indoors is the best way to keep them safe from winter's chill. Here’s how to create an indoor environment that meets your plants’ needs.

A south-facing window typically provides enough natural light for most indoor plants.
Acclimate your plants to indoor conditions by moving them indoors gradually.
If natural light is limited in your house, consider using grow lights to supplement sunlight, especially for tropical plants.

Tip

If your plants are in containers, wrap them in insulating material or move them to a sheltered location.

How to Winterize Potted Plants