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You’ve spent all year meticulously caring for your beautiful plants that both neighbors and guests rave about…but now winter is coming. Once frost strikes and the freezing overnight temperatures set in, it’s lights out for your favorite plants. To keep them alive year after year, it’s always best to bring your plants indoors, away from the cold. Here are 5 tips to help you bring your plants indoors so they can thrive during the colder months, or even year-round!
1. Eliminate pests from your plants
Inspect the leaves stems and soil for plant pests and other insects then be sure to wash your plants. Use a spray of water outdoors, and then apply insecticidal soap and let it dry. This procedure is important, because it removes and destroys insect pests and their eggs. Any pests on your plants will multiply rapidly indoors and quickly cause an infestation of your indoor garden.
2. Use a grow light or keep them in a bright area
When moving your plants indoors, be sure to place them in areas with plenty of bright light. If you have a sunroom with great exposure, count yourself lucky. However, if you don’t, it’s advisable to use grow lights for supplemental plant lighting.
3. Provide humidity to your plants
Since the hot air used to heat homes in the colder months creates very dry environments, it is advisable to mist the plants a couple of times a day when possible or place them on humidity trays. Even though leaf loss is common when bringing your plants indoors, if you see your plants have dry leaf tips or the leaves continue dropping, your plants probably need more humidity.
4. Don’t overwater your plants
Water your plants sparingly in the colder months in order to prevent overwatering. Remember that most plants drink very little this time of year. Be sure to water them moderately but regularly. You can tell your plants need water when the first one to two inches of soil is dry.
5. Trim any dead or damaged leaves and stems
Trim your plants back by cutting away dead or damaged leaves and stems. Be sure to disinfect your cutting tools to refrain from infecting a healthy plant. However, be sure not to trim away any of the healthy leaves and stems. This will leave you with a healthy and attractive new showpiece for your home.
With these tips, not only will your plants thrive throughout the winter months, but your home will receive a beautiful green upgrade with the additional of a few vibrant, fresh plants. To learn more about how to keep your plants happy and healthy this winter please contact us!
