Mistakes To Avoid When Bringing Plants In For Winter

The air is growing cooler and the days are growing shorter. It’s time to move your outdoor plants indoors to support their growth as we get ready to spend more time home and cozy up. Some mistakes here could be harmful to both your current indoor plants and those outside plants, even though you might assume it’s as simple as moving your plants indoors and calling it a day.

Mistakes To Avoid When Bringing Plants In For Winter

You wait too long to bring plants in

When deciding whether to bring your plants indoors, timing is everything. When moving their plants back indoors, gardeners frequently make the mistake of waiting too long, which can stress the plant and possibly kill it if it gets too cold.

The basic rule is that you should bring your houseplants back inside to a warmer setting when the evening temperature hits 50 degrees. Tropical plants may need to be brought in even sooner, and plants that can tolerate lower temperatures, like bromeliads, may be allowed to remain outside later.

You do not look for pests

Aphids, spider mites, white flies, scales, and mealy bugs are among the usual plant pests that may have infested your plants while they were outdoors. Examine your houseplants carefully to look for any indications of insects, especially eggs, before bringing them indoors. If you come across living insects, make sure to completely coat them with insecticidal soap. To allow yourself time to treat any pests and repeat the process if necessary, begin this inspection process one month in advance.

You choose a location with insufficient sunlight

When bringing your plants indoors, be mindful of the light and location. The ideal location for any plant in full sun outdoors would be close to a bright window, ideally one that faces south or west, though this obviously depends on the home.

You ignore humidity needs

Particularly during the winter months when heaters are on, inside air can be significantly drier than outdoor air. Higher humidity is necessary for many plants, including tropical plants. She suggests putting those more humidity-loving plants in a naturally humid area, like the bathroom, or utilizing a humidity tray to address this.

You overwater

Indoors, there is less sunlight, therefore your plants will require less water. Gardeners frequently make the mistake of overwatering. Always start by measuring the moisture content of the soil.

You move plants around

The majority of plants require time to acclimate to a new setting, and they will have to do it again each time they are relocated. Energy is required for this adjustment process, which over time may weaken the plant and increase its susceptibility to pests, disease, or even death. After placing them in a well-lit area, leave them there.

Mistakes To Avoid When Bringing Plants In For Winter