As the days get shorter and a chill fills the air, your plants feel the change. That lush fiddle leaf fig on the patio and those sun-loving succulents on the porch need to come inside. But moving them from a sunny outdoor spot to a dim indoor room can be a shock to their system.
The key to a successful transition is a little planning and the right tools. A smooth move indoors, combined with a proper HortiPower grow light setup, will help your plants adjust and continue to flourish all winter long.
19 September 2025, Jille Kuipers
Table of Contents
Step One: Plan Ahead with Your First Frost Date
The most important factor for timing your move is knowing your area's average first frost date. Temperatures dipping below 10°C can cause serious damage to many tropical plants. A light frost can be even more devastating.
Find your average frost date.
Aim to bring your plants inside at least two weeks before that date to give them plenty of time to acclimate.
Step Two: Prepare for the Move
Don't wait until the last minute. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your plants—and your home—healthy.
Inspect and Clean: Check every plant for pests like aphids or spider mites. You don't want to bring any unwanted guests inside. Thoroughly rinse the foliage with a hose while the plants are still outside. Make sure the leaves are completely dry before you bring them indoors.
Make It a Gradual Change: The difference in light intensity between outdoors and indoors is dramatic. To prevent shock, begin by bringing plants inside at night and returning them outdoors during the day. This "part-time" move helps them slowly adapt to the new environment.
Step Three: Choose Your Grow Light Setup
Windows alone are often not enough to replace the powerful energy of direct sunlight. A high-quality, full-spectrum grow light is the best way to ensure your plants get the light they need to stay healthy and vibrant.
Know Your Plant's Needs: Start by understanding how much light your plants require. Succulents and citrus need high-intensity light, while ferns and peace lilies are happy with much less.
Choose the Right Form Factor: HortiPower offers a wide range of grow lights to fit any space or style.
Linear lights (Nurser 3 and PlantParent 1) work well for shelves of herbs or a collection of smaller plants.
Simple bulbs (Bloomer 2) can be screwed into existing lamps for a low-profile solution.
Placement Matters: The distance between your plant and the light source is crucial. Lights placed too far away won't be effective, while lights too close can cause stress. Look for adjustable fixtures or dimmable bulbs that make fine-tuning easy.
Step Four: Set a Schedule
The right kind of light isn’t enough—plants also need the right amount.
Distance: Position light-loving plants like succulents closer to the light source. Shade-tolerant plants like ferns can be placed farther away.
Duration: Most plants need 12–14 hours of light indoors.
Step Five: Balance the Rest of the Environment
Your plants' care routine will shift along with the seasons.
Humidity: Indoor air is much drier, especially with the heat on. Grouping plants together or using a humidifier can help create a more humid microclimate.
Watering: Plants use less water indoors due to lower light and cooler temperatures. Always check the soil before you water.
Temperature: Keep your plants away from cold, drafty windows and hot air vents, which can cause sudden stress.
Quick Transition Checklist
- Look up your first frost date and plan ahead.
- Begin moving plants indoors part-time at least two weeks before the first frost.
- Inspect and clean plants thoroughly to remove pests.
- Set up HortiPower grow lights to supplement lost sunlight.
- Adjust light distance and duration based on plant type.
- Monitor humidity, watering, and room temperature.
- With a little preparation and the right tools from HortiPower, you can easily keep your plant collection happy and healthy all year long.