Usually the fall is mild but we’ve already gotten a few nights of frost. Brought in my outside plants in a hurry but now I need to do some prep for the lower light and colder conditions.

Although I do have some plant lights and just bought some newer ones that will be here soon, I’d love to know what other folks do to prep houseplants for their indoor lives.

  • @[email protected]
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    41 year ago

    I am in Chicago and so I don’t normally bring a lot of plants inside because I’m used to just planting perennials or replanting in the spring. But I do bring a few herbs inside and I also have a lot of succulents. If you have a south facing window, put as many plants as you can in that window and here rest can get put under a grow light. Make sure that window is properly sealed so as to prevent a cold draft or frost from getting in. Now some old Chicago homes use radiant heat under the windows which actually works very well to keep your plants warm and undamaged from a cold window, but I’ve found that an electric heater under the window works just as well. I doubt it will get cold enough in the south that you would ever need to move your plants out of the window, but if it does, they can survive a few days with low light. If you have a ton of plants, consider setting up a multi tiered shelf next to the window or somewhere else with lots of grow lights. That’s my method to the madness anyway. Don’t see why it wouldn’t work further south too.

    • Malcriada LalaOP
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      61 year ago

      I only have 1 southern facing window and I currently have my bed up against that wall. May try to rearrange that room to out my big elephant ear and alocacia there.

      I keep most of my pants on a multi level shelf by a west facing window with lights. They do ok but would love to find a set up to keep them warmer and better lit.