As cooler weather approaches, it is time to start thinking about bringing so many of our friends back into the home and transplanting any that may have stayed inside all summer. We are going to look at some of the things you will need to consider in making this transition, as well as some how-to's to make you feel confident about this move.
Before anything else, it is best to decide if you can keep all of your plants in the space you have, or even it you want to.
Is It Worth It?
- Do you have room
- Does the plant have sentimental value
- Are the plants attractive & clean
- Are they too heavy
Transplant?
Once you've decided which plants you want to keep, it's time to decide if you need to transplant.
- Check the roots - are the root bound? Is there more root than soil?
- Choose pots - bigger pots are needed when you see the roots taking up space. If your space doesn't allow for bigger pot size, you can cut the roots back
- Apply Root Stimulator to cut roots
- If you can avoid transplanting, do. The best time to transplant is in spring.
Trimming
When you bring plants in, it's easy to believe that there isn't room for them after all the summer growth unless you move out. Let's keep you in your home by pruning:
- Cut tall or out of place branches
- Prune the stem at a joint or just above the soil
- Selective pruning - cutting off dead or dying leaves and stems
- Prune to shape the plant rather than major pruning if possible
Check and Treat for Pests
- Check both the top and underside of leaves for insects, eggs, leaf spots or anything else unusual
- Identify the pest and use house plant safe insecticides (ask our experts!)
Bring Plants In
- Reduce Risk as much as possible
- Windows are ideally open
- Air conditioners and furnaces are ideally off
- The ideal time is about 3 or 4 days before the temperatures drop to the point where your windows close for the season
I hope this helps you find the perfect time to bring plants indoors with ease.
Written By "Rockin' Kev" Kevin Keilig