Dreaming of a beach vacation? Imagine turning your home into a lush tropical paradise with thriving plants all year long.
If you’ve got potted elephant ears, cannas, or caladiums, don’t toss them when winter comes. Instead, bring them inside. Place these beauties near a sunny window where they can soak up the light. Keep the soil moist and give them a little fertilizer now and then, but make sure to dilute it to half strength.
For those with larger plants planted in the garden, it’s best to leave them outside until the first frost hits and their leaves turn brown. Once that happens, trim them down to about 6 inches tall. Carefully dig them up, rinse off the soil, and separate their roots into bulblets. Let these roots dry completely before storing.
You can use milk crates or any ventilated box filled with peat moss to keep the roots. Store them in a cool, dark place like your cellar or crawl space. Remember to check on them monthly. If they start to shrivel, give them a spritz of water. Any roots that show signs of rot should be tossed out. When spring arrives, plant them outdoors or give them a head start indoors with some potting mix and plenty of light.
Caring for Potted Hibiscus and Angel Trumpets
Potted hibiscus and angel trumpets also need a bit of TLC during the colder months. Bring them indoors before the first frost and place them by your sunniest window. They might drop leaves and look a bit sad, but don’t worry—they’ll bounce back in spring.
If space is tight, you can store these plants in a cooler spot, around 40-45°F. Check on them twice a month and water lightly when the soil is dry. A little pruning and fertilizing about a month before the frost danger passes will help them transition back outside smoothly.
Maintaining Banana Plants Through the Winter
Banana plants are another favorite for tropical enthusiasts. When the first frost arrives and the leaves turn brown, cut the plants down to soil level. Move the containers to a dark spot where the temperature stays around 40-45°F. Check the soil once a month and water only when it’s completely dry.
In the spring, the banana plants will start to grow again. Keep them indoors until the danger of frost has passed. Then, give them a good dose of fertilizer and regular watering to help them thrive outdoors.
For in-ground banana plants, don’t cut them back in the fall. Instead, dig them up and store their roots in a plastic trash bag, just like the potted ones. In the spring, cut them down to about 6 inches and replant them once the weather warms up.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Exotic Plants
Saving your tropical plants not only keeps your garden vibrant but also saves you money. Instead of buying new plants each year, invest in a few key tropical species and care for them properly. The money you save can go towards other enhancements for your backyard, like a water feature or a cozy firepit.
- Cost Savings:
- Reduce annual plant purchases
- Invest in long-term garden features
- Enhance outdoor living spaces
By following these simple steps, your backyard can remain a tropical haven all year long. Imagine sipping a piña colada in your own exotic oasis without ever leaving home.
