Question
I have three potted wandering jews and 2 potted flowering vines that have been living outside on my porch since May. I am in North-west Indiana, and looking forward to freeze. All of them have grown very healthy, the wandering jew is establishing rooting along some of its longer stems into the mulch under its pot. The vines have wrapped themselves around the woodwork of the porch. I do not know if I should plant them in the ground where they are, of if I need to take the plants indoors before they freeze. I would love to have these same plants for years to come. I would think the vine is one of a tropical nature.

Answer
Hi Danielle,

The wandering Jew is definitely a frost-sensitive plant and cannot survive temperatures much below 45 degrees, so it will definitely have to come inside for the winter. You haven't identified the other 2 plants, so I cannot say if they are winter hardy or not. If they are tropical, then they will have to come inside soon.

When plants are moved indoors there is a dramatic reduction in light, so they are best located as close to a sunny window as possible to minimize the reduction in light.

The fall is a good time to prune back vining plants substantially. I know this is painful if you have not done it before, but pruning back long vines is really good for plants and helps keep them full and compact. Pruning will also make it easier for you to move your plants indoors.

Of course, you can move your plants back outside again next spring.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC