Overwintering tropicals

1011 N. Woodlawn

Kirkwood, Missouri

63122

314-965-3070

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According to the Missouri Environment and Garden newsletter, overwintering tropicals is easy for those who have the right space and light.  Before bringing any plant inside, check for insects.

Following are some guidelines for specific plants.

Hibiscus and Bougainvillea

These are easy to bring indoors if you have a bright, sunny location.  Cut back both plants before moving inside and place them on a sunny windowsill.  Or you can place them in a cool location and allow them to go dormant -- but don't let the roots dry out.

Mandevilla

Again, the mandevilla can be brought indoors and placed in a sunny spot or allowed to go dormant.  Or you can harvest its fleshy root and store it in a cool location.  It needs to be protected from drying out, however.

Bananas

This plant is a little trickier.  Dwarf bananas can be potted and brought indoors and placed near a sunny window.  If you have a large banana, find a side shoot and pot that up to be brought inside.

Palms

Palms are easily moved inside -- just find a sunny spot in your house.