Overview
- Specialists advise moving frost‑sensitive pots such as ficus, schefflera, oleander and citrus before freezing nights, with ideal overwintering temperatures around 5–10 °C.
- For plants that remain outside, insulate containers from the ground, wrap pots with jute or polystyrene, group them by a sheltered wall, and cover foliage with fleece on cold nights.
- Reduce or pause fertiliser and cut watering to match dormancy, watering only when the top layer of soil has dried to avoid root rot.
- Indoors, raise local humidity with misting or water trays, keep plants away from radiators and drafts, clean leaves for better light, and choose stable, cooler rooms over warm living spaces.
- Inspect and treat for pests before bringing plants inside, remove dead growth, monitor forecasts closely, and consider professional overwintering services if no suitable winter quarters are available.