You’ve moved plants indoors: Now What?

K-State horticulture expert shares tips for maintaining growth during the cold months

At a glance: K-State horticulture expert Matt McKernan shares tips on how to help cold-sensitive plants survive their new indoor environment this winter.

More information: Matt McKernan, hortsupport@ksu.edu

Indoor plants should receive bright, indirect light either from a window or grow lights, says K-State horticulture expert Matt McKernan.

Oct. 26, 2026

K-State Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Cold temperatures have come to Kansas in bits and spurts this year, but enough so that many gardeners have moved cold-sensitive plants indoors recently.

It begs the question: Now what?

“Hopefully, you were able to transition your plants to the indoors (by gradually introducing them to less light), but if not, they may go through a period of shock,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan.

Symptoms of shock may include yellowing leaves, leaf drop, dieback and wilt, he said.

“Some plants won’t survive the shock if it’s extreme,” McKernan said. “Others will recover over time and with proper care.”

McKernan offers tips for helping plants survive their new indoor environment.

Water and fertilizer

Whether indoors or out, the amount of light decreases from summer and fall to winter, resulting in slower plant growth. “This means the fertilizer and water needs will decrease,” McKernan said.

He suggests only providing water when the soil is dry about one-inch deep. Fertilizer can be applied at one-fourth the recommended rate in November, then again in February.

“Plants in smaller containers often require water more frequently, but less fertilizer because they have less soil,” McKernan said. “This varies based on species, so do your homework and research individual plant needs.”

Temperature

If the air temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of more sensitive plants may begin to yellow. “Keep this in mind if you adjust the thermostat during times when nobody is home, such as vacations,” McKernan said.

Humidity

When the humidity is lower, plants release more water from the leaves. Many common indoor plants prefer high relative humidity.

“To increase the relative humidity, you can create a micro-climate by grouping plants closer together,” McKernan said. “Another option is to place a shallow container below each plant and fill it with water. Elevate the container by placing some gravel in the saucer so that the plant isn’t soaking directly in the water.”

Misting plant leaves is recommended by some, but McKernan says it is not a practical strategy to effectively increase humidity.

Light

Indoor plants should receive bright, indirect light either from a window or grow lights. Avoid placing plants too close to windows that are drafty, or next to heat vents.

Some indicators that plants are not receiving enough light include:

Elongated internodes (space between leaf/stem unions).
Pale foliage color on new leaves.
Dieback of older leaves.

McKernan and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to hortsupport@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Extension office.

K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.