I always brought my mandie in with my hib. I usually do that here around Columbus Day weekend as the outdoor & indoor temps tend to be about the same, making the transition for the plants easier... Plus I have a long weekend to do the plant moves.

Most of the tropicals get taken in when the temperature starts getting into the low 40's at night. If it's only going to be one night in the upper 30's and then warm up I'll let them stay out. For the mandevilla, I cut that back severely before bringing it in, same with the allamanda and the brugmansia. Then I let them stay dormant (mor or less) in the basement, although they do start growing shoots again my midwinter.

So you don't keep the mandevilla in light? I keep the hibiscus in a sunny spot. It doesn't stay as lush but it stays green. I do cut the hibiscus back. I did winter over a ginger last year. I just let it dry out and put it in the basement and forgot about it until spring. Should I do that with the mandevilla as well? I use to be more on the ball but lately my mind isn't as sharp as it use to be. It's been a hard year with the passing of my parents. Thanks for replying to my endless questions.

When I've brought the mandie in, I didn't let it go completely dry - maybe water it once a month or so to make sure it didn't get bone dry. It doesn't need light either (the leaves will drop off but that's normal). I keep my hib near some table lamps and by the glass doors, although it doesn't get any direct sun in winter. It'll drop some leaves initially but then adapts. Been doing that for almost 12 years with it!

Gosh... I don't even want to think of bringing stuff in!

I've already bought my Venus Fly Trap indoors. I don't care how mild it might get: he's staying indoors.