How to safely move perennials indoors
If you are moving tender perennials indoors, there are a few things to consider. We’ve put together some tips for moving your plants indoors to keep them thriving.
Choose a suitable indoor location
If your plant needs a lot of sunlight, make sure you place it in the sunniest window you have. If you need indirect or dappled light, you can mimic this condition with a light sheer curtain or place your plant container at an angle to the window instead of directly in front of it.
Get the right potting soil
Do some research to make sure you have the right soil for your perennial. Proper drainage is very important for containers. Also add some of its native soil to the pot from where it was planted, as this will add some of the micro-organisms it has become accustomed to.
Inspect for pests
You don’t want to bring any plant pests or diseases inside, so inspect them carefully before moving them indoors and deal with any infestations first.
Transplant into another container
If your plant is in a heavy or bulky container, gently transplanting it into a lighter one could make it more manageable in your indoor location. This may be a good time to repot your plant and give it more space and soil.
Move larger containers onto plant stands with wheels
Having a cart on wheels or a mobile plant stand on wheels is very useful for moving your outdoor plants indoors. These wheeled stands are perfect for moving dwarf potted trees. Have at least two people support the pot so it doesn’t tip over and possibly injure your plant.
FAQ
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Some perennials can get root rot if left in containers outside when freezing and thawing temperatures can make the soil too wet. Bringing potted perennials inside helps keep them at a more constant temperature.
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If your plants are in small pots, they can easily be brought inside. Larger containers should be on racks with wheels for easy movement. You can also try dividing or transplanting perennials into smaller containers to bring them inside.
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Depending on the plant, you may need to provide special care for it to thrive indoors. Some tender perennials may need bright sunlight or supplemental grow lights, they also need supplemental humidity.