How to keep plants alive in the winter

Creating a Tropical Paradise in Your Backyard

Are you dreaming of a beach vacation or life on a remote island? The key to bringing that tropical paradise feeling to your own backyard lies in the lush, giant-leaved plants that are synonymous with the tropics. While those living in tropical or subtropical areas can enjoy these plants year-round, the rest of us can still experience a taste of the tropics by saving and storing these plants for the winter.

Saving Elephant Ears, Cannas, and Caladiums

If you have potted elephant ears, cannas, or caladiums, don’t discard them at the end of the season. Instead, bring them indoors to a sunny spot, water regularly, and fertilize occasionally. If they are planted in the garden, wait until the first frost turns their foliage brown, then cut them down and dig them up. Rinse and separate their roots, allow them to dry, and store them in peat moss in a cool, dark place until spring.

Overwintering Hibiscus and Angel Trumpets

Potted hibiscus and angel trumpets should also be brought indoors before the first frost. Place them by a sunny window and water sparingly. If you don’t have space indoors, store them in a cool location and check on them regularly. Bring them back outside in spring, prune lightly, and fertilize before moving them back outdoors.

Preserving Banana Plants

Cut down potted banana plants to soil level when the frost hits and store them in a cool, dark place. Water sparingly and resume regular care in spring. In-ground banana plants should be dug up and stored the same way. Cut them down in spring and plant them back in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.

By following these steps to save and store your tropical plants, you can create your own backyard oasis that will transport you to a tropical getaway every time you step outside. So, skip the expense of buying new plants each year and instead invest in creating a relaxing outdoor space complete with a water feature, firepit, and your favorite tropical drinks. Cheers to turning your backyard into a tropical paradise!