Which Outdoor Plants Will Thrive Indoors on Your Windowsill?

Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces with energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro replacement patio doors expands your living area and brings in the natural beauty of your. With options that include floor-to-ceiling hinged, French-style patio doors to add a touch of elegance, and low-profile sliders that provide a larger transparent view of the outdoors, you can design a quiet place to relax and unwind, while surrounding yourself with the colors and fragrances a well-planned garden affords. Combining a beautiful door with complementary replacement windows furnished with TruScene insect screens allows you to expand your viewing area and control ventilation without worrying about biting insects during the spring, summer and autumn months.

You’ve probably spent the warm weather season grooming and pruning your garden plants to encourage more blooms. As the calendar signals cooler weather is approaching, you may be wondering which plants you should bring indoors and which ones will survive in the elements. Here are a few tips to help you decide.

Deciding Which Side of the Replacement Window Glass is Best for Your Garden Favorites

Let’s face it. Some annuals aren’t going to survive the New Jersey and New York winter weather. By nature’s design, marigolds and Nicotiana bloom, lantana, salvia and most annuals, put forth blossoms, produce their seeds and die. Mature, healthy plants often drop enough seeds to replenish your garden spaces when warm weather returns. You can gather the seeds and replant after all danger of frost, but don’t try to save them by digging them up and relegating them to little pots on the replacement window sill. Sadly, that rarely – if ever – works.

On the other hand, coleus varieties thrive in both indoor and outdoor spaces as long as the temperature stays above 60 degrees and they have access to natural sunlight. If you don’t want to uproot the whole bed, take cuttings and root in soil or water. These sturdy plants overwinter nicely on a window sill or in pots on the bay window ledge. To encourage spread without vertical growth, pinch back the blossoms before they “elongate.” The Inky Fingers variety works well in hanging baskets and planters off the floor because it puts off runners with purple blotches that drape dramatically. The optimal temperature for these beauties ranges between 70 degrees and 100 degrees. Their color holds best in diffused light.

There’s no need to bring in the hibiscus. Like other perennials, your hibiscus will not only survive, it will thrive with proper care outdoors. Which brings us to a discussion about plant safety.

Tips for Seasonal Transitions from Outdoor to Indoor Rooms

A thoughtfully planned garden provides year round enjoyment. Like a well-designed replacement window and patio door project, a realistic plan for bringing plants indoors should consider safety. Some plants like aloe and philodendrons are toxic for animals. If you have indoor pets, especially puppies prone to chewing, choose a place inside your home that is out of reach for small children and four-pawed family members.

Here are some other things to consider before bringing in your prized begonias and ferns.

1. Treat all potted plants for pests and insects before bringing them inside.
2. Do your research to learn if plant varieties pose hazards for children or pets.
3. Unless you have a sun room with lots of space, collecting seeds or cuttings may be preferable to bringing in a large plant.
4. Some plant varieties require cold winter weather to regenerate blooms when the weather warms up. Store bulbs in a cool, dry area, away from normal foot traffic.
5. A plant that thrives in the outdoors won’t survive indoors without the proper mix of light (or darkness), water, air and soil nutrient content.
6. Gradually expose your precious plant varieties to their new surroundings. Think of it as the reverse process you use when bringing your plants outdoors after all chance of frost. Bring pots and containers indoors for several hours a day, gradually increasing the time spent indoors, until your plants can tolerate controlled temperature and light levels.

Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro Replacement Windows Are Perfect for Seamless Transitions Between Indoors & Out

Preparing your home and gardens for winter is easier when you started early. If you are considering adding a bay window, or replacing your aging windows with modern, high-performance replacement windows before cold weather comes this year, we can help. Simply fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 to schedule a private consultation with a replacement window specialist in our New Jersey and New York Metro Renewal by Andersen location.

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