I find that leaving that tree out until freezing weather is not a threat (species specifics might warrant a look here) and works great for me. My ficus and schefflera actually got a few 30 degree evenings before they came in; more tender varieties like serissas shouldn't go to the 30's). A month or so of 30 to 40 degree evenings are good for most tropicals and act as a sort of mini-dormancy that I feel makes that first push of growth indoors possible (and sustainable). The tropics do get cooler in the winter; just not as cold. Mimicking those conditions can only benefit your tree...
Scott
Last edited by The Helpful Gardener on Mon Nov 29, 2004 6:51 am, edited 1 time in total.