# 7 Tender Plants to Bring Indoors Before October Frost

> Move citrus, elephant ears, pelargoniums, fuchsias, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, and salvias indoors before October frost hits.
- Title: 7 Tender Plants to Bring Indoors Before October Frost
- Summary: Move citrus, elephant ears, pelargoniums, fuchsias, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, and salvias indoors before October frost hits. Bring seven tender plants…
- Keywords: citrus trees, elephant ears, pelargoniums, tender fuchsias, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, tender salvias, overwintering, frost protection, indoor plants, plant care, houseplants
- Source: Homesandgardens — https://homesandgardens.com/gardens/tender-plants-to-bring-indoors-before-october-frost
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: citrus trees, elephant ears, pelargoniums, tender fuchsias, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, tender salvias, overwintering, frost protection, indoor plants, plant care, houseplants
## Why Move Tender Plants Early
October can bring freezing nights that kill outdoor plants. Bring tender plants indoors before first frosts hit.
## Check Frost Forecasts
Monitor frost forecasts to avoid surprise frosts that damage tender plants. Don't assume you know when frosts will arrive.
## Citrus Trees
Move citrus trees indoors once nighttime temperatures drop below 50f. Compact varieties need 55-65f and 5 hours sun daily.
## Elephant Ears
Bring elephant ears indoors before temperatures drop below 60f. They need bright light and less water during winter.
## Pelargoniums
Prune pelargoniums by a third before moving indoors. They need bright, warm spots but avoid radiators or heating vents.
## Tender Fuchsias
Overwinter fuchsias indoors with grow lights or keep dormant in frost-free, dark places. Check for yellowing leaves.
## Bougainvillea
Prune bougainvillea before moving indoors. They need frost-free spaces like greenhouses or basements with light and water.
## Bird of Paradise
Move bird of paradise indoors once nighttime temps drop below 55f. Keep them in bright spots with 65-75f temperatures.
## Tender Salvias
Bring salvias indoors or take cuttings for winter. They need frost-free spaces and avoid cold, wet soil.
## What to Shop
Avoid overwatering, lack of light, and placing plants near heat sources. Acclimate plants for two weeks before moving indoors.
## Key takeaway

Bring seven tender plants indoors before October frost to protect them from freezing temperatures.