Don’t let the first frost be the end of your backyard oasis. With a few simple steps, you can protect your favorite tropical plants from the cold and ensure they return, vibrant as ever, next spring. This guide shows you how to overwinter everything from potted elephant ears to in-ground banana plants, saving you money and keeping your tropical dream alive all year long.
Bringing Potted Tropicals Indoors for the Winter
If you have potted beauties like elephant ears, cannas, or caladiums, their winter vacation spot is inside your home. Don’t wait for freezing temperatures; bring them in before the first frost is expected.
Find a spot near your sunniest window. South-facing windows are often the best choice as they provide the most light during short winter days. Your goal is to give them as much light as possible to help them stay healthy.
Keep their soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. When you do fertilize, which should be infrequent, make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half its usual strength. The plants are in a resting phase and don’t need as many nutrients as they do during their active growing season in the summer.
How to Store Roots from In-Ground Garden Plants
For larger tropicals planted directly in your garden, the process is different. You’ll need to dig them up and store their roots or bulbs for the winter. This method works perfectly for plants like cannas and caladiums.
Wait for the first light frost to signal the end of the season. Once the leaves turn brown, it’s time to act.
- Cut the plants down, leaving about 6 inches of the stem.
- Carefully dig around the plant to lift the root clump from the ground.
- Gently rinse all the soil off the roots and separate them into individual bulbs or bulblets.
- Let the roots dry completely for a day or two in a sheltered spot like a garage or shed. This step is crucial to prevent rot during storage.
Once dry, place them in a ventilated container like a milk crate or a cardboard box with holes punched in it. Fill the box with peat moss or sawdust to keep the roots insulated and dry. Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a cellar or crawl space, where temperatures stay above freezing.
Special Care for Hibiscus and Angel Trumpets
Potted hibiscus and angel trumpets are popular for their stunning flowers, and they too need to come inside. Move them indoors before the first frost and give them a prime location by your brightest window.
It’s common for these plants to show signs of stress after moving inside. They might drop many of their leaves and look a bit bare. Don’t panic; this is a normal reaction to the change in light and temperature. They will recover and sprout new growth in the spring.
If you are short on sunny window space, you have another option. You can force them into dormancy by storing them in a cooler location, around 40-45°F. In this case, you’ll need to water them sparingly, just enough to keep the soil from becoming bone dry. Check on them a couple of times a month.
Managing Banana Plants through the Cold Season
Banana plants add a dramatic, tropical flair to any garden, and keeping them through winter is surprisingly simple. For potted banana plants, let the first frost kill the top growth. After the leaves turn brown, cut the plant down to soil level.
Move the container to a dark, cool spot where the temperature remains steady, ideally between 40-45°F. A basement or an insulated garage works well. During this dormant period, they need very little water. Check the soil about once a month, and only give it a small amount of water if it is completely dry to the touch.
If your banana plant is in the ground, the strategy changes slightly. Instead of cutting it back, you’ll dig the entire plant up before the ground freezes. Shake off the excess soil and store the root ball in a large plastic trash bag. In the spring, you can trim it down to about 6 inches and replant it outside once all danger of frost has passed.
A Quick Guide to Overwintering Tropicals
Keeping track of each plant’s needs can be tricky. Here is a simple table to help you remember the basic winter care for some of the most common tropical plants.
| Plant Type | Winter Location | Light Needs | Watering Frequency |
| Potted Elephant Ears | Indoors | Bright, Sunny Window | Keep Soil Moist |
| In-Ground Cannas/Caladiums | Cool, Dark Storage (Roots) | None (Dormant) | Mist if Shriveling |
| Potted Hibiscus | Indoors | Brightest Window Possible | When Soil is Dry |
| Potted Banana Plant | Cool, Dark Storage | None (Dormant) | Once a Month, if Dry |
Save Money while Creating Your Dream Garden
Beyond the joy of seeing your plants return each year, there’s a significant financial benefit. Tropical plants can be expensive, and replacing them annually adds up quickly.
By learning to overwinter your plants, you are making a long-term investment in your garden. The money saved can be put towards other backyard projects that enhance your outdoor living space. Think about adding that water feature you’ve always wanted or building a cozy firepit for cool evenings.
- Reduce the need to buy new plants every single spring.
- Allows you to invest in larger, more mature plants that you can enjoy for years.
- Frees up your garden budget for permanent features and upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the leaves on my tropical plant turning yellow and falling off indoors?
This is usually a sign of shock from being moved to a new environment with different light, temperature, and humidity levels. It’s a common and often temporary issue. As long as you provide proper care, the plant should stabilize and grow new leaves in the spring.
What is the most common mistake when overwintering tropical plants?
Overwatering is the biggest killer of dormant or semi-dormant plants. With less light and slower growth, they use much less water than in summer. Always check the soil before watering, and remember that it’s better to be a little too dry than too wet.
When should I move my tropical plants back outside?
Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Moving them out too early can damage or kill the plants. It’s also a good idea to acclimate them gradually over a week, starting them in a shady spot and slowly increasing their sun exposure.
Do I need to check on the roots I have in storage?
Yes, you should check on your stored roots or bulbs about once a month. Look for any that are rotting or have become moldy and throw those away to prevent it from spreading. If the roots look shriveled, a very light spritz of water can help rehydrate them.
