7 Houseplants to Bring Indoors in September Before Cool Nights

A summer outdoors can trigger lush growth in tropical houseplants. But in September, the same outdoor haven becomes risky: a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures can push plants' roots into survival mode and cause cold shock or leaf drop.

The key signal to watch

According to Gardening Know How, the secret to a successful fall transition is tracking nighttime minimums, not daytime highs. A drop to around 50°F (10°C) at night is the trigger to bring summering houseplants back indoors.

7 houseplants to move inside now

• Tropical foliage plants that summered on a shaded patio or porch.
• Plants that thrive in heat and humidity but are sensitive to cold.

Check for hitchhiking pests

Before bringing plants inside, inspect the undersides of leaves for outdoor pests looking to hitchhike indoors. A loupe or pocket magnifier helps spot them early.

Sources

• Gardening Know How — Bring these 7 summering houseplants indoors in September