How Do I Get My Outdoor Plants Ready to Come Inside?

As the winter chill sets in, it’s time to think about getting your outdoor plants ready to come inside. Bringing your plants indoors can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

With some preparation and dedication, you can make sure that your plants make the transition seamlessly.

Check for Insects

Before you start bringing your plants indoors, you should check them for insects. Common pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can be difficult to eradicate once they’ve taken hold of an indoor environment. Carefully examine each plant and check for any signs of infestation before bringing them inside.

Acclimate Your Plants

Once you’ve checked your plants for insects, it’s time to start acclimating them to the lower light levels that they’ll experience indoors. Begin by placing them in a shady spot outside and gradually move them into areas with less light over the course of a few weeks. This will give the plant time to adjust without any sudden shock.

Clean Your Plants

Cleaning your plants before bringing them inside is also important. Start by gently removing any dead or damaged leaves from the plant and then use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any dirt or debris from its leaves. Doing this will help ensure that no pests or diseases hitch a ride into your home.

Repotting

If necessary, now is also a great time to repot your outdoor plants into larger containers if they have outgrown their current ones. Make sure you use fresh potting soil when repotting and select containers with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.

Bringing Inside

Once you’ve done all this preparation, it’s finally time to bring your plants inside! Place them in an area with bright indirect sunlight (such as near an east-facing window) and adjust their watering schedules accordingly—indoor plants usually need less water than outdoor ones do.

Conclusion

Getting outdoor plants ready to come inside doesn’t have to be difficult; with some preparation and dedication, you can easily make sure that their transition is smooth and seamless. Start by checking for insects, then move on to acclimating them for lower light levels outdoors before cleaning and repotting as needed.