Move fragrant plants indoors before nights get cold: Illinois Extension says to bring houseplants in when temperatures drop below 55°F, Clemson says temperatures of 50°F or lower can damage many tropical plants, and the plant-specific minimums read for this site range from about 4°C for stephanotis to 15°C for plumeria. Check for pests before the move, shade the plants gradually, and expect some leaf drop.
The checklist
- Check the forecast against the plant (table below), and move plants in once night temperatures approach its limit.
- Inspect leaves, stems and soil for aphids, whiteflies, scale and spider mites (Illinois). Remove plants from pots to check for pests moving through the drainage holes (Clemson).
- Spray with a strong stream of water first. Illinois says to follow with insecticidal soap if that fails, and Clemson says to check the label first and test a small leaf area, because symptoms can take seven to ten days to appear.
- Over about a week, move plants from full sun to light shade, then heavy shade, then indoors (Clemson and Illinois).
- Put them in the brightest window, ideally south or west facing (Illinois).
- Quarantine them for at least three weeks away from other houseplants (Colorado State).
- Water less and feed less indoors, since growth slows (Illinois). Push a finger to the second knuckle, and skip watering if it is still moist.
- Expect yellowing and some leaf drop as light drops (Clemson, Illinois).
Limits for plants on this site
| Plant | Limit the source gives | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stephanotis | Bring in before temperatures approach 39°F (about 4°C) | NC State (stephanotis) |
| Jasmine polyanthum | Bring in before night temperatures fall below 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F) | RHS jasmine guide |
| Plumeria | Minimum 15°C (60°F); colder can rot growing tips | RHS frangipani guide |
| Gardenia | Bring in before nights fall below 10°C (50°F) | RHS gardenia guide |
The sources disagree on the safe line, which is why the table gives each plant its own number. A tropical plant is safest moved in before the coldest night, not after.
What the sources do not cover
None gives a limit for lavender, hoya, osmanthus or scented geranium. The scented geranium routine is in Scented Geranium Indoors, and Plumeria Indoors covers the plumeria winter minimum.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature should I bring houseplants in?
Illinois says below 55°F, and Clemson says 50°F or lower can damage many tropical plants.
Will my plants drop leaves?
Both Clemson and Illinois say yellowing and some leaf drop are common as plants adjust to lower light.
How long should I quarantine plants?
Colorado State says at least three weeks.
Sources read for this page
- Clemson HGIC: Moving Houseplants Indoors and Outdoors
- Illinois Extension: Bring houseplants indoors before the first frost
- Colorado State University Extension (houseplant pests)
- NC State (stephanotis)
- RHS jasmine guide
- RHS frangipani guide
- RHS gardenia guide
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page gives general guidance and cannot diagnose a plant from a description; see the Disclaimer.
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