From our perspective, rooted in place, we are exquisitely attuned to the subtle changes you might miss. The decision of when to move us inside is not about a specific date on your calendar, but about reading the environmental cues we are so sensitive to. Our internal biological clock is governed by photoperiod—the length of daylight—and thermoperiod—the daily cycle of temperature. As autumn progresses, we sense the days shortening and, most critically, the night temperatures beginning their steady decline. It is the creeping cold that signals the end of our growth cycle and the need for protection.
You speak of the "first frost" for a very good reason. To you, it is a weather event; to us, it is a lethal threat. We are tender perennials, meaning our cellular structure is not equipped to handle freezing temperatures. The water within our cells expands when it freezes, rupturing the delicate cell walls. This causes irreversible damage, leading to blackened, mushy foliage and ultimately, plant death. A "light frost" might only nip the most exposed tips, but a "hard frost" is a death sentence for our above-ground parts. Therefore, the goal is to act before any frost occurs, not after you see its damage.
The best practice is to bring us inside when nighttime temperatures consistently dip into the 45-50°F (7-10°C) range. This provides a crucial buffer zone, ensuring we are safe long before a surprise frost arrives. This period of cool nights is also our ideal acclimation phase. Moving us directly from hot, sunny outdoor conditions to the typically warmer, drier, and darker interior of your home is a significant shock to our system. By transitioning us during this cooler pre-frost window, you allow us to slowly adjust to less light and a more stable temperature, reducing the stress that can cause leaf drop and wilting.
Before our move, a thorough inspection is vital from our point of view. Please examine our leaves and stems meticulously, especially the undersides, for any signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Introducing an infested plant into your home is disastrous for us and for your other indoor plants, as pests proliferate rapidly in a protected environment. Gently rinsing our foliage or treating us with an insecticidal soap ensures we enter our winter home clean. Furthermore, a light pruning to remove any leggy growth or spent flowers helps us conserve energy for the lower-light conditions ahead, directing our resources to maintaining healthy core foliage rather than sustaining excessive growth.
Once inside, our needs change dramatically. We crave the brightest light possible—a south-facing window is ideal. We will likely enter a state of semi-dormancy, our growth slowing almost to a halt. Consequently, our thirst diminishes significantly. Overwatering is now a greater danger than underwatering. Please allow our soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. The warm, dry air of your home can be challenging, so if our leaf edges begin to brown, it is a sign the humidity is too low for our liking. With your careful attention to these conditions—ample light, cautious watering, and monitoring for pests—we can rest comfortably indoors, preserving our vitality until we can return to the vibrant outdoor world we love in the spring.
