Steps to
moving in your houseplants:
- Wait until spring to divide and repot any house plants.
- Wipe down the leaves with a wet rag. (Do not do this if the plant has fuzzy foliage or a cactus.)
- Check for bugs as you are wiping down. If there are bugs, you will need to treat them before bringing the plant inside.
- Prune out any dead branches or leaves.
- Wash the outside of the pot off with soap and water.
- Rinse off foliage and pot with a hose.
- Bring inside plants and place in a sunny spot to start. Over the next couple of weeks slowly move plants to their appropriate areas. This will help them adjust to being indoors.
Treating bugs: Always make sure to follow directions on the container.
- Bonide Houseplant Systemic – This chemical is taken up through the roots of the plants, and when bugs chew on the plant, they are killed. Avoid if you have animals that like to chew on plants. This product does take a week or so to get into the plant’s system. Use it in conjunction with insecticidal soap.
- Insecticidal Soap – Is a contact killer spray. Spray onto insects directly to kill them.
- Neem Oil – This is an insecticide, fungicide, and miticide. Avoid applying during the day’s heat, as this product can burn plants.
- Safe Houseplant Sticky Stakes – If you want to be chemical-free, use these sticky traps to attract and trap aphids, whiteflies, fruit flies, and fungus gnats hidden in the houseplants.
- Bathroom Tub Dunk – If you are worried about bringing insects into your home from the soil. Take and place your plant in your bathroom tub. Fill the tub until the containers are fully submerged. Leave the containers there for fifteen minutes, then remove the water. Let plants drain in the tub before moving them. This can be done outside if you have a small pool.
House Plants Indoors:
- Plants that have just been moved indoors will go through some shock. This is normal.They may lose leaves, flowers, or their color may dull. Once the plants have adjusted to being back inside this will stop.
- Make sure to adjust your watering. Plants that are inside do not need as much water. Only water when they need it. Check Out https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-indoor-plants