Bringing your houseplants back inside can be a daunting process, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. The key to success is to gradually acclimate your houseplants to lower light levels and temperatures, and to take steps to avoid pests that may have been picked up outdoors. With a bit of effort, you can bring your houseplants back inside and enjoy them for many years to come.
Why bring them in?
Bringing your houseplants indoors can be beneficial for several reasons. For starters, the environment indoors is much more controlled than outside and you have more control over the temperature, humidity, and light conditions.
Houseplants can help purify the air inside and add a touch of nature and elegance to any room. If you’re looking to add some green to your interior decor or just want to give your plants a break from the elements outside, bringing them inside can be a great option!
When you bring houseplants back inside, there are some important steps to take to ensure their successful transition. You should gradually expose them to lower light levels and lower temperatures to get them used to the change.
Make sure to inspect the plant thoroughly to get rid of any outdoor pests that may have hitchhiked inside. It’s important to make sure the soil is healthy, as this can help prevent pest infestations. Following these steps carefully will help ensure your houseplants make a smooth transition and remain healthy indoors.
Transitioning Houseplants Indoors
When you’re transitioning houseplants back inside, take it slow. Gradually expose them to lower light levels and lower temperatures to avoid shocking their systems.
One way to do this is by placing them in a shady spot outside for a few hours and gradually increasing the hours each day until they’re used to the amount of light they’ll receive indoors. Once you’ve safely brought them inside, get them situated in a spot that gets indirect sunlight.
Don’t forget about potential pests! After being out in the elements, your houseplants could be carrying bugs or fungi. To keep these critters from spreading, spray down the plants with a hose and then wipe them off with a cloth.
Better yet, give them a full-on bath in lukewarm water with a bit of dish soap.
You can use organic pesticides to keep them pest-free. Check the plants’ soil to make sure it’s not too dry or too wet.
If it’s dry, give it a good watering. And if it’s too wet, try to wait it out until it’s at a more ideal moisture level before watering again. With a bit of TLC, you’ll have those houseplants thriving indoors in no time!
Acclimating to Lower Light and Temperature Levels
When bringing your houseplants back indoors, it’s important to slowly adjust them to lower light levels and lower temperatures. This can be achieved by gradually moving them away from any direct light that may be hitting them, and exposing them to shade. You can also slowly lower the temperature of the room they are in, as this will help to slowly acclimate them.
If possible, try to replicate the temperatures and light levels of their outdoor environment, as this will make the transition much smoother.
When you start to transition your houseplants inside, be sure to check them for any signs of pests. Be sure to examine both the leaves and the root system, as this is where pests can often hide. If you notice any signs of pests, such as wilting or discoloration of leaves, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the problem. It’s also important to remove any dead leaves or stems to help prevent any further infestations.
Protecting from Outdoor Pests
To protect your houseplants from outdoor pests, start by thoroughly inspecting them when you first bring them inside. Look for signs of insects or other pests, such as webs, stuck-on eggs and larvae, or plant damage. If you find any of these, take steps to isolate the infested plants and treat them accordingly.
Make sure to keep the area around your plants clean and free of debris.
Remove dead or dying leaves and stems, as well as any potential food sources for pests, such as fallen fruit or vegetables. You should also regularly check your plants for signs of infestation, and treat any new pests you find right away. Consider using preventative methods, such as sticky traps, to help keep pests away from your plants.
There are also natural solutions, such as neem oil, that can be used to create an unfavorable environment for pests. With these methods in place, you can bring your houseplants back indoors with confidence.