Gardeners warned when to bring potted plants inside

Green-fingered Brits are being advised on when to move their potted garden plants inside as the nights start to draw in.

Experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have highlighted the importance of bringing tender plants inside at the right time to protect them from frost damage.

Temperatures are falling in the UK, so gardeners need to stay vigilant and monitor the weather forecast and bring their potted plants indoors before the first frosts.

Plants have different temperature tolerances but a general rule of thumb is that when the night temperatures drop below ten degrees, it’s time to move plant pots inside.

This usually happens in early October, however with the UK’s unpredictable weather, this can happen any time from September onwards.

Plants most vulnerable to cold spells are tropical species, tender perennials and houseplants that gardeners moved outside for summer.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Timing is key when it comes to moving your plants inside.

“Most tender plants start to suffer when the temperatures at night drop below ten degrees and by the time the first frosts hit, it might already be too late.

“Hardy plants can thrive in cold temperatures, however tender perennials like geraniums and fuchsias and tropical plants such as hibiscus, palms and orchids need protection from the cold.

“When making the transition, make sure to inspect the plants for pests, prune dead foliage and choose a good spot for them inside where they get adequate sunlight.”

What plants need to be moved inside:

Tropical plants

Tropical plants can’t withstand temperature fluctuations and get into a state of stress which can potentially kill them. To provide conditions for tropical plants to thrive over autumn and winter, it’s best to place them in a greenhouse. If you don’t have a greenhouse, find a spot in your house that gets ample sunlight. Examples of tropical plants that should be moved inside include hibiscus, citrus trees, orchids and palm species such as areca and parlour.

Tender perennials 

Tender perennials can’t survive cold temperatures and must be moved inside. The best place for them inside is near a sunny windowsill. Make sure to turn the pots every few weeks to ensure each side of the plant receives enough light. Tender perennials include popular blooms such as geraniums, begonias, dahlias and fuchsias.

Houseplants

Some gardeners like to move their houseplants outside in summer to give them an extra boost of sunlight and fresh air. However, it’s equally important to bring them back inside when temperatures start to drop in autumn. Houseplants are adapted to indoor environments and even a light frost can cause severe damage to their leaves, stems and roots.