It’s the fall time of year when we should be thinking about bringing plants indoors that have been outside on the deck, patio or by the pool for the summer. There are a few things that we should do that will help the plants that we are bringing inside adjust to this change in environment. Most plants that we bring indoors in the fall benefit from being outside for the summer but they have some adjusting to do when taken in the house. This is a good time to check the root systems to see if the plants are root bound and need to be transplanted to the next size container. If the roots are very “thick” or compacted the roots should be pruned slightly and repotted.

Many of the plants that can be brought indoors for the winter months are considered tropical. Plants like the beautiful tropical hibiscus, ficus(or fig tree), Christmas cactus and many others are those we typically bring indoors. These plants have had nearly full sun or certainly much brighter conditions than they will have indoors. It is best to acclimate the plants that we are planning to bring inside to lower light levels by moving them to a shady area for a couple of weeks before moving them indoors. If this acclimation process doesn’t take place sensitive plants may drop some of their leaves and possibly flower buds when they are brought inside. A gradual adjustment is always best. Outdoor temperatures much in the 40’s can also be harmful to some varieties causing them to shed some leaves.

Plants that have enjoyed the summer outside may have gathered “hitch hikers” that will enjoy the warmth inside later this fall and we don’t want to bring them in with the plants. Some of these critters are very small insects that can go undetected for a time and then become an issue in a month or so after they are indoors. It becomes a problem to get them under control because we do not want to use pesticides when the plants are in our living areas. Examine the plants closely for insects and just a good hosing down with a strong stream of water will help eliminate some of them. Aphids, mites, scale and mealybugs are some of the more common problem insects. If you suspect a problem a spray with insecticidal soap or a natural compound like neem oil that is nontoxic would be a good thing to do. Some larger critters have also been known to come indoors that are in the soil. A good way to control them is to set the potted plant in a laundry tub filled with water for 15 minutes to completely saturate the soil. Do not leave the plant in the water for more than 30 minutes or damage to the root system can occur. Remove the pot from the pan of water and let it drain completely. This should be done about a week or so before bringing the plants inside.

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31 years of growing

Meadow View Growers

www.meadowview.com

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