The end of our growing season came with hard freezes on the last nights of October.

Being forewarned, I started bringing in houseplants that had lived outside since warm weather arrived in May. Although freezing weather is a quick death to these plants, sometimes the long winter indoors is a slow death.

Houseplants did not evolve indoors; rather, people tried to bring the outdoors inside. Most plants are not suited for this low light, dry environment. A majority of “houseplants” are native to warm climates and dwell in the substories, living in lowlight conditions, thus they are more likely to survive indoors.

If these plants are to survive, adjustments need to be made in the care they are given, or you must search out those plants that can tolerate your home climate.

My collection of house plants are almost exclusively variegated foliage and diverse leaf shapes and textures. Very few of them (excepting the orchids) ever bloom indoors. That’s okay by me. Weekly watering and indirect light from the west and south facing windows keep most happy. As you get to know your plants, arrange them in different locations to see if they green up or die back. This will give a clue about what their needs are. If they are thriving, let them be.

Some plants are hardy and very forgiving. For beginners, or those who think they don’t have “green thumbs” I would recommend spider plant (C. comosum) in a hanging basket, mother-in-law tongue (S. trifasciata), and heartleaf philodendron (P. scandens). All of these are good starter plants that thrive even when occasionally forgotten.

Repotting will become necessary over time. If the soil in the planter has a crusty flaky crust, mineral salts have built up over time, and new soil will be good for the plant. If the plant has become pot bound, it’s a good idea to repot in a planter 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Depending on the plant, division is another option.

The quickest way to kill a plant indoors is overwatering. Feel the top of the soil, if it’s damp, don’t water. (It’s recommended that pots have drainage holes, but if none, be extra careful.) If a plant requires high humidity, place the pot in a shallow pan of gravel filled with water. The evaporating water will help overcome the dryness of a heated house.

Avoid fertilizing over the winter months. Most plants when brought indoors will shed leaves as they adjust to a new climate and less light. They don’t need fertilizer; they are just resting and acclimatizing.

Do check for pests that may have made a home in your plant, whether it was outside or from a store or florist shop.

If coming in from outside, a good hosing down will get rid of some critters before taking the plant inside. If you have a new plant, keep it separate from others for a few weeks, and check for insect pests. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

House plants are God’s answer to the winter blues. Everything outside is dead or dormant, with the exception of evergreens., and the days are short on sunlight. Plants growing around you, providing oxygen, using up carbon dioxide, displaying a variety of gorgeous colors, and giving you the means of starting new plants to give to friends and relatives — what a gift.

Liz Renkoski works with the Barry County Master Gardeners. She may be reached at lrenkoski@gmail. com.