When the temperatures begin to dip, many gardeners are caught off guard by how quickly the cold can harm tender plants. Some plants that thrive all summer outdoors are not built to handle frosty nights, and leaving them out too long can cause damage that is difficult to reverse.
If you have not already moved certain plants indoors, there is still time to rescue them with the right care.
Knowing which plants are most at risk and how to revive them can make the difference between losing them and helping them flourish again when spring returns.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is often thought of as a hardy plant, but it is far less tolerant of cold than many gardeners realize. While it thrives in warm and sunny conditions, Aloe Vera is highly sensitive to frost. Its fleshy leaves, full of water and gel, can freeze quickly when temperatures drop near or below freezing.
Once this happens, the cell walls inside the leaves burst, leaving behind mushy, blackened tissue. If your Aloe Vera has been left outside during the first frosts, it is already in danger, but there are still ways to save it.
The first step is to bring the plant indoors immediately, even if the leaves show signs of damage. Place it in a location that receives plenty of indirect sunlight, such as a bright windowsill.
Aloe Vera dislikes dramatic changes, so avoid moving it too close to a direct heat source like a radiator, which can cause stress. The key is to give it steady warmth and light while allowing it to recover naturally.
Inspect the leaves closely. Damaged leaves that are soft, brown, or blackened should be trimmed away with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Removing these sections prevents rot from spreading to healthier parts of the plant. Do not remove firm, green leaves, even if they have small spots of frost damage, since these may recover with time.
Aloe Vera requires well drained soil, especially in winter. After moving the plant inside, check that the pot has proper drainage holes and that the soil is not waterlogged.
Reduce watering significantly during the winter months, since the plant will not be actively growing. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill a stressed Aloe Vera.
If roots were exposed to cold but not completely frozen, they can often recover. Repotting the Aloe Vera into fresh, dry soil may help if the existing soil has stayed damp from autumn rains. With patience, warmth, and careful watering, Aloe Vera can survive a brush with frost and return to vigorous growth once the days grow longer in spring.
Basil
Basil is one of the most cold sensitive plants you can grow, and it does not tolerate frost in any form. Even a light chill can cause the leaves to droop, turn black, and fall off.
If you left your basil outside too long, it may already look worse for wear, but there is still a chance to keep the plant alive if the roots have not been fully damaged. Since basil is often grown for its fresh, tender leaves, saving it through winter takes a different strategy than many other plants.
The first step is to bring basil indoors immediately, even if much of the foliage has been lost to cold. Trim away any blackened or wilted leaves using clean scissors. Leaving these on the plant not only looks unsightly but also wastes energy that could be used for recovery. By cutting basil back to healthy stems and nodes, you encourage new growth to sprout in protected indoor conditions.
Basil needs warmth and bright light to thrive. Place it on a sunny windowsill where it can receive at least six hours of light daily. If your home does not have enough natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light to keep the plant from becoming leggy and weak. Basil also prefers consistent warmth, so avoid drafty windows or cold rooms.
Watering basil in winter requires balance. While the plant does not like to sit in soggy soil, it cannot tolerate being completely dry for long either. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Using room temperature water prevents shocking the roots, especially if they are recovering from cold stress.
If your basil plant is severely damaged, you can still save part of it by taking cuttings. Place healthy stems in water, and they will often grow new roots within a couple of weeks. These rooted cuttings can then be planted in fresh soil and grown indoors through the winter. This method ensures you do not lose your basil entirely, even if the original plant does not recover fully.
Basil may be delicate, but with prompt care and the right environment, it can survive indoors until the warmth of spring allows you to bring it back outside again.
Caladium
Caladiums are beloved for their striking foliage, with colorful heart shaped leaves that brighten up shady gardens all summer long. However, these tropical plants are extremely sensitive to cold and cannot survive frost.
Once nighttime temperatures dip below 50 degrees, caladiums begin to suffer, and exposure to frost can quickly kill their leaves. If left outdoors too long, the tops may collapse and turn mushy, but the underground tubers often remain alive if rescued in time.
The first step in saving caladiums is to bring them inside before the ground freezes. If the foliage has already been damaged by frost, cut it back to the soil line.
This may look drastic, but it prevents rotting leaves from spreading disease to the tubers. Carefully dig up the tubers using a garden fork or trowel, making sure to lift them gently so as not to puncture or bruise them.
Once dug up, shake off excess soil but do not wash the tubers with water, since moisture encourages rot during storage. Place the tubers in a warm, dry area for several days to cure. This drying period toughens the outer skin and reduces the chance of mold or decay while the tubers rest.
For winter storage, place caladium tubers in a container filled with dry peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite. Store them in a cool but frost free location such as a basement, garage, or closet where temperatures remain between 50 and 60 degrees. The key is to keep them dry and undisturbed until spring. Check them once a month for any signs of rot, and remove any soft or decaying tubers to protect the rest.
If you prefer to keep caladiums growing indoors instead of storing tubers, they can be potted and placed in a warm, bright spot inside the home. However, most gardeners find it easier to allow the tubers to rest during the winter and replant them once the soil warms in late spring.
By lifting, curing, and storing caladium tubers properly, you can preserve these tropical beauties through the winter and enjoy their vibrant foliage year after year.
Geraniums
Geraniums are classic garden favorites, filling containers and borders with months of bright flowers. Yet despite their resilience in summer heat, geraniums are not frost tolerant.
Cold nights quickly damage their leaves, and a hard frost can kill the plant entirely if left outdoors. If your geraniums have already been touched by frost, there is still hope, as these plants can be overwintered successfully with the right approach.
There are several ways to save geraniums depending on your preference. One option is to bring the whole plant indoors. Start by cutting back the stems by about one third to reduce stress and make the plant easier to manage inside.
Inspect for pests such as aphids or spider mites before bringing them in, and wash the leaves gently if needed. Place the plant in a bright, sunny window where it can continue to grow through the winter. Regular but moderate watering is required, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
Another method is to overwinter geraniums as dormant plants. To do this, dig them up before the ground freezes and shake off excess soil from the roots. Place the bare root plants in a paper bag or cardboard box, and store them in a cool, dark place such as a basement where the temperature stays around 45 to 55 degrees.
During storage, check the roots monthly and mist lightly with water if they become too dry. In spring, replant them in fresh soil, and they will often sprout back into growth.
A third option is to take cuttings from healthy stems. These cuttings can be rooted in soil or water indoors, giving you new young plants that are easier to manage through the winter. This method works especially well if your original plant is large or not in the best condition after frost exposure.
Whichever method you choose, geraniums can be saved and carried over to the next season. By acting quickly after frost and providing the right storage or growing conditions, you ensure these cheerful plants continue to brighten your garden year after year.
Lemon Trees
Lemon trees are one of the most rewarding plants to grow, offering both beauty and the promise of fresh fruit. Yet despite their appeal, they are among the most cold sensitive plants and can be severely damaged or even killed by frost.
If you left your lemon tree outside as temperatures dropped, you may already see yellowing leaves, leaf drop, or even blackened twigs. These are warning signs that the plant has been stressed by the cold. The good news is that lemon trees can often be saved if you act quickly and provide the right environment indoors for the winter months.
The first step is to move the lemon tree into a protected space before a hard frost sets in. A bright room with a south facing window is ideal, since lemon trees need at least eight hours of sunlight each day to stay healthy.
If sufficient natural light is not available, using a grow light can make a big difference in preventing weak and spindly growth. Avoid placing the tree near drafty windows or heating vents, as sudden temperature swings can shock the plant.
Before bringing the tree indoors, inspect it for pests such as scale, aphids, or spider mites. These pests can easily hitch a ride indoors and spread to other plants. Wash the leaves with a mild soapy water solution and rinse thoroughly to remove any insects or eggs.
Watering is another critical factor. Lemon trees do not like to sit in soggy soil, especially in winter when growth slows. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Use a pot with good drainage, and avoid letting water collect in a saucer beneath the pot. Overwatering during the dormant months is one of the most common causes of decline in indoor citrus.
Humidity levels indoors can also affect lemon trees. Dry air from heating systems may cause leaf drop. To counter this, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby. Keeping humidity steady will help the tree hold onto its foliage and recover from the stress of being moved indoors.
If frost has already damaged parts of the tree, prune away dead or blackened branches once it has adjusted to its new location. Do not prune too heavily right away, as the tree may surprise you with regrowth from seemingly lifeless stems. With warmth, light, and consistent care, lemon trees often bounce back and continue growing through winter, ready to thrive again once spring allows them to return outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Some plants simply cannot withstand the cold, and waiting too long to bring them inside can cause visible damage.
Yet even after a brush with frost, many can be saved if the right steps are taken quickly. Aloe Vera, Basil, Caladium, Geraniums, and Lemon Trees each need slightly different care, but all can survive winter with prompt attention.
The key is to act quickly, provide shelter, and adjust watering and light conditions to match their dormant needs. By doing so, you not only rescue your plants now but also prepare them for a stronger growing season ahead.
With patience and thoughtful care, these plants can recover from frost stress and continue to provide beauty, fragrance, and even food for many years to come.