Many of my houseplants have thrived on my back covered deck this summer. But with the night time temperatures beginning to dip into the 5O’s I know I need to start thinking about transitioning them back into the house to over winter. You will need to give them time to adjust to the lower light and humidity levels inside so they won’t experience shock.
Plan Ahead:
- About 4 weeks before your first frost start bringing them inside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time they spend indoors.
- Inside, your plants won’t receive the same amount of light they did outdoors. Place them in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Consider using grow lights if you don’t have enough bright indirect light.
Control Humidity:
- Indoor heating can lower humidity levels, which may not be ideal for some plants. To increase humidity, group plants together, place a humidifier nearby, or mist with lukewarm water every few days.
Watering Adjustments:
- Indoor plants typically require less water during the winter months. Check the moisture level in the soil before watering, and water less frequently than you did during the growing season.
Monitor Temperature:
- Ensure your indoor temperature is suitable for your plants. Most houseplants thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Fertilize Sparingly:
- Plants usually require less fertilizer in the winter when their growth slows down. Reduce the frequency and concentration of fertilizer during this period. I give mine a light feeding once a month with Dr. Earth’s Pump and Grow Houseplant Food. I can’t recommend this fertilizer enough, the results are amazing. In the winter, I just use half of the recommended amount.
Keep an Eye on Pests:
- Before I bring my plants in I look them over very good for pests. I haven’t had any trouble with aphids, but I have a lot of spiders at my house and my plants make a good hideout especially for the “grand daddy long legs” I take my pots to the hose and give them a gentle spray before bringing them in. If you find any pest you can use an organic insecticidal soap like Safer Insecticidal Soap. You can also keep this handy for your vegetable garden plants if needed.
Prune and Trim as Needed:
- Before bringing them in and throughout the winter, periodically check for dead or yellowing leaves and remove them to encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead leaves that have fallen onto the soil to prevent disease.
Be Patient:
- It’s normal for plants to go through an adjustment period when transitioning indoors. Some may drop leaves or show signs of stress, but they usually recover with proper care.
Bringing your houseplants in is also great for the winter blues. When we can’t be outside in our gardens, all we have to do is look around at all the greenery that surrounds us.
Happy Gardening,
Karen
*This email contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only bring you products that I recommend and in almost all cases, use regularly.