Rooted Ramblings: Bringing your houseplants inside
- Master Gardener Volunteers
By Beth Whipple, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer
As autumn temperatures begin to decline, it is essential to prepare for the transition of houseplants that have been kept outdoors during the summer months in Ohio, back indoors. While many houseplants benefit from outdoor conditions, exposure to low temperatures — particularly below 45-50°F — can lead to damage or loss, depending on the species. Here are some suggestions before bringing your houseplants indoors for the fall and winter months.
Inspect and Treat Plants for Pests
Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and similar pests can quickly spread indoors during winter. Tap leaves over white paper or jostle the plant to check for insects and inspect soil for hidden critters. Monitor plants daily for a week or two and treat emerging pests. Wash or soak plants in mild dish soap before bringing them inside; rinse larger plants with water. Clean both leaf surfaces with soapy water, then rinse thoroughly, ensuring the solution reaches the soil, address any pests residing in the soil and allow foliage to dry completely. After bringing the plants inside, inspect plants at each watering for signs of infestation. Utilize insecticidal soap as needed, making sure to follow the directions on the label. Additionally, wash the exterior of pots to remove residual dirt and pests.
Prune, Separate, or Re-pot as Necessary
Sometimes, ants may remove potting medium from containers during the summer. Sowbugs and pill bugs may also be found in organic matter. Cavities formed by missing potting medium can even provide space for small frogs to reside. When plants are brought indoors, the frogs will leave, so your pets may have a certain amount of hysteria, plus you have to try to catch the frog(s) to put them back outdoors. This is a good time to replace some of the old soil with new soil when re-potting. If plant roots are crowded, transferring the plant to a larger container is recommended.
Gradual Adjust to New Light and Temperatures
To prevent shock resulting from abrupt environmental changes, which may manifest as yellowing, wilting, dieback, or plant death, gradually acclimate houseplants to indoor conditions. To help plants adjust to new light and temperature conditions, position the plant in its intended location for several hours each day, gradually extending this period over one to two weeks.
Provide Adequate Sunlight
Transition plants into sunny window locations to help adjust to lower indoor light levels. Gradually lower exposure to the sun until the plant is suited to its final placement indoors. Place plants in bright, indirect light. Indoor lighting is generally less intense than outdoor shade or part-shade locations, and some species, such as tropical hibiscus or weeping fig, may shed leaves in response. New leaves will eventually develop. Provide supplemental light if necessary.
Fertilizing, Watering and Re-potting
Plants do not actively grow during the autumn and winter months, so fertilizing is unnecessary. This also means, wait until spring to re-pot your plants. Watering schedules should also be adjusted. The water requirements of houseplants vary based on environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature. When plants are moved from outdoor to indoor settings, these conditions change, which affects the amount of water needed. Water your plants when needed, not based on a schedule.
How and when do I bring my houseplants back indoors before winter?
Time to bring houseplants back inside Aphids Bringing Houseplants Indoors
An Update on the Link Between Spotted Lanternflies and Milkweed
Earlier this autumn, I wrote that there was no scientific proof, yet, that milkweed was harmful to SLFs. However, scientific understanding evolves, and a recent study shows that common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) can kill 60–80% of SLF nymphs and adults within just 24 hours, even if grapevines are available as food. Plant plenty of milkweed, now not only for monarchs, but also for SLFs. Milkweed as an Eco-friendly Tactic for SLF Control
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