Winter is a time of year when many people wish they could stay indoors forever, huddled up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. But just because the weather is colder doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to your garden plants!

Many plants can spend winter indoors successfully, and with a bit of preparation, you can keep them happy and healthy all season long. Learn about six plants that thrive when winterized indoors, and get started on creating your very own indoor garden today. 

Flowering Plants

Wintering flowering plants indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you are prepared to give them the TLC they need. These flowering plants do well indoors once the mercury dips!

Fuchsia

Closeup of hanging red and white fuchsia flowers potted plant basket at porch of home house building blurry background

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If you're looking to keep your fuchsia plant indoors over the winter, there are a few things you need to know. First, bring in your plant before the first fall frost.

Next, make sure that your plant gets plenty of sunlight. The right amount of light is crucial for keeping your fuchsia healthy during the colder months.

In October and November, your fuchsia plant won’t need an abundance of water. Water it sparingly only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Another key factor when wintering a fuchsia is temperature control. During the daytime, your plant will need temperatures of approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, 45 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

Be aware of winter issues, such as leaf drop and improper flowering. This is normal and your fuchsia plant will bounce back after its dormancy period is over. Additionally, avoid fertilizing at this time. You can resume your watering and fertilizing schedule in the springtime.

Geranium

White and purple blooming geraniums.Geranium Grandiflorum, Regal Geranium "Elegance Jeanette"

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One of the best ways to keep your geraniums alive during the winter is by bringing them indoors. To winter a geranium plant indoors, you need to take some simple steps to ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant throughout the colder months.

First, inspect your geranium thoroughly for any outdoor insects. If you find any whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, or any other pest, wash off the insects and treat them with an insecticide.

Next, choose a spot in your home with plenty of light. Geraniums need at least 10 to 12 hours of sunlight a day. Water them when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. 

You also want to ensure that this area stays warm and warm, as both extremes can cause damage to your plants. Geraniums thrive in temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Once you have found a suitable spot for your geraniums, you can begin preparing them for their move indoors.

Pay close attention to their watering and lighting needs to ensure that your plants stay healthy during the winter months.

Mandevilla

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Wintering a mandevilla plant indoors can be a great way to enjoy these beautiful flowers even in the colder months. To do this, place the mandevilla inside a bright room with indirect sunlight and water it whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. You should also watch for signs of pests or diseases and treat any issues quickly.

Depending on the space you have reserved for your mandevilla, you can also prune back your plant before bringing it indoors for the winter.

As your plant is entering its dormant period, avoid fertilizing. Fertilizing encourages growth which can stress your mandevilla.

Herbs

Herb plants are a great way to add color and life to your indoor space. Whether you're looking for fresh herbs to use in your cooking or want a beautiful plant to brighten up your home, there are plenty of options from which to choose.

Parsley

Fresh leaves of young parsley, green vegetable.

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If you love adding fresh parsley to your meals, then wintering parsley indoors is the perfect solution! With just a little preparation and care, you can grow fresh parsley all year. Here's how:

First, choose a large enough pot to accommodate the amount of parsley you want to grow. Next, carefully dig up your parsley plants and repot them in the new containers. Leave them outdoors in a shaded area and water them regularly until your plants are established.

Once your plants are well-established, move them into a sunny indoor location and provide them with plenty of sunlight. It is worth noting that the leaf quality will have decreased by late winter as the parsley is getting ready to produce seeds. You can now compost the plant.

Note: Parsley is one of those herbs that doesn't do well when transplanted back into the ground. Instead, keep it inside when the seasons change and start your own kitchen herb garden!

Rosemary

rosemary plant after repotting in new clay pots

Image credits: Bogdan Sonjachnyj via Shutterstock

Wintering rosemary indoors is easy and will keep your plants flourishing all winter long.

To start, before the first fall frost, make sure you have a well-lit spot in your home that stays at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water your plant regularly when the soil feels dry to the touch but avoid letting it sit in water for too long.

Chives

Chives on a Windowsill

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Chives are hardy plants that can easily adapt to indoor conditions, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to keep their homes green even during the cold winter months.

To begin wintering chives indoors, choose a sunny spot in your home. Chives need at least six hours of sunlight per day. You may need to place the plant near a window or on a sunny shelf if natural light isn't available elsewhere in your home.

Next, bring the chives indoors and water them when the soil is dry to the touch. Once your chives are established indoors, they will continue growing throughout the winter for you to enjoy.

Note: Same as parsley, chives have a hard time going back outside. To make things easier you can also add this herb to your indoor garden.

Extend Your Plants Life

Winter is a great time to get creative with your indoor garden. By following these simple tips, you can keep your plants happy and healthy all season long.

Do you have any tips or tricks for winterizing your plants? Leave a comment below! And don't forget to share this article with your friends and family. They may be looking for some winter gardening inspiration too!