Question
This is the first time I have moved my house plants outside for the summer.  Now that fall is here I want to bring them back inside.  I don't see any signs of bugs.  What should I do to make sure that they don't bring any unwanted bugs into the house.  I have heard of a soulution of dishsoap and water to water them with, but I'm not sure of the measurements of this solution.  Also, should I spray them with a bug spray for house plants?

Answer
Hi Linda,

Prior to moving your plants back inside for the long winter, it is best to perform the following tasks:

稩nspect your plants for pests on the foliage and in the soil. Treat any pests before you move the plants inside. A good shower with a garden hose is helpful in knocking off larger insects. A thorough spraying with liquid soap and water (same proportions as when doing dishes) will eliminate the smaller pests. If you see insects in the soil, then plunge the pot up to its rim in plain water and leave it there for 30 minutes; this will cause the insects to abandon the soil in search of air.

稰rune back any excess growth. This will help your plants fit into smaller indoor spaces and acclimate to the lower indoor light levels.

稩n anticipation of reduced growth, stop fertilizing and resist the urge to repot.

In the fall you are acclimating your plants to lower light. Try to acclimate your plants gradually, as you did in the spring. Move plants from light shade to deeper shade for a few weeks before taking them inside. Plants exposed to more light outside will develop leaves that are adapted to that amount of light. When they are brought inside, they have a harder time adjusting to the lower light than leaves that were grown in lower light. Thus, there is greater improvement in plants that are put outside but there is also greater decline when they are brought back in.

Expect a slow, but not immediate decline in your plants after they are moved back inside. Growth will slow. Some leaves will yellow. Soil will take longer to dry out. They are not going dormant. Your plants are simply responding to the change in environment, particularly the reduction in light. Although this may be a good time to prune, it is not a good time to repot or fertilize. This process will continue through the winter months while the daylight hours are short. When the days lengthen significantly in the spring, your plants will once again start to grow more vigorously.

Early fall is the time that some flowering plants require special attention. Amaryllis bulbs require complete neglect beginning in September and lasting for about 8 weeks. Christmas cacti prefer the shorter days and cooler outdoor temperatures down to 40 degrees. This will help them set flower buds in time for the holidays. Poinsettias also must have 12 hours of complete darkness and temperatures in the low 60's every night to produce their beautiful red, white and pink bracts.

I know I have gone beyond your question, but I thought the additional information might be helpful to you.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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