Tropical Plants

Recommended for agapanthus, banana, citrus, hibiscus, and mandevilla

TROPICALS THAT GROW in containers outdoors, such as hibiscuses and lemon trees, do well indoors during the winter months if there is enough light available. A south-facing, uncurtained window is the best. Citrus trees will flower in the strong light and set fruit if their aromatic blossoms are hand-pollinated. West- and east-facing windows supply enough light to keep tropicals alive, too, but don't count on flowers forming. Three to four hours of sunlight daily will just sustain the plants. Supplemental lights help also, especially if you want the plants to continue flowering indoors.

Do not repot plants brought indoors for the winter. Even if they receive enough sunlight or artificial light to flower, most of them do not add to their root system during this time. If they are repotted into a large container, the roots probably will rot. The extra soil in the bigger pot holds more moisture than the roots can use. Citrus and hibiscus are especially prone to root rot indoors when repotted.