Winterizing houseplants

10/5/2007Moving Houseplants Back Inside for the Winter
If you're like me, you put some or all of your houseplants outside for the summer. Now that fall is here, it's time to think about moving them back in for the long winter ahead.

There are a few steps you can take to prepare your plants for indoor conditions.

First, bring the plants inside at night and put them outside during the day every day for two weeks. This will allow them to acclimate much faster. If you bring them in without this acclimation period, they're apt to drop leaves.

Second, I spray all my plants for bugs. I assume there are eggs, larvae, or full-grown pests in the plants, even if I can't see them. Treat them organically. Use a Neem Oil or insecticidal soap or an all-year dormant oil. Be sure you use an all-year dormant oil.

There are systemic insecticides you can put directly into the soil. These are not organic, however, and are actually quite toxic. I would use them only if organic methods are not working. Be sure to keep children and pets away from these substances and wash your hands carefully if you use them.

I would also trim back any growth or branches that don't seem healthy. You can try rooting cuttings now, if you so desire. For example, if you have a coleus plant, take a few inches of the plant off the top and strip the bottom leaves from the cutting. Then place the cutting in sterile soil (you can get this at any store) and keep the soil moist, but not wet. The roots should take in six to eight weeks. You can use Rootone™ powder to help speed up the process.

Water your plants only when they're dry. It's a good idea to water early in the morning so they have a chance to dry out during the day. I try to give my plants as much light as they had outside. While this is not truly possible, keep those plants that love sun in a south or west window. Also keep your windows clean, because dirt blocks out the important UV light plants rely upon.

Following these easy steps should help ensure your plants winter over successfully, so you can get them outside again next spring. Head to http://www.growingwisdom.com for all of our videos and be sure to subscribe. It is free and we never give your email out to anyone. Ever.

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• plants
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