Every summer, I move my houseplants like spider plants, hoyas, split leaf philodendrons, and orchids out onto my patio where they can enjoy dappled sunlight. Now that it's time to bring them back inside for the winter, I'm wondering if anyone has a routine or specific tricks for making this transition smooth and pest-free. Last summer, I had issues with ants crawling into the pots, so I usually spray the bigger pots with ant spray and leave them outside for a few days. I'd love to hear your tips to ensure I'm only bringing in my plants (and not unwanted critters) and how to help the plants adjust to their indoor environment better.
3 Answers
For me, I just let the ants come in. I deal with various bugs all the time, and honestly, it’s not a huge issue for me since most of my pots are elevated and I've got good drainage.
One effective method I use is to stick the pots deep in water until the bubbles stop rising, which drowns any pests lurking inside. Personally, I like to repot most plants around this time as well, so it gives me a chance to refresh their soil and containers.
Is it okay to repot plants before winter? I usually wait until spring to do any repotting.
A couple of weeks before bringing my plants inside, I begin treating them to minimize any pest problems. I use a malathion-based spray on the foliage and soak the pots. I also make sure to treat under the rim and drainage holes, sealing the treated pots in plastic bags for storage. Just look at how I'm prepping my banana plants for indoor life!
Wow, it sounds like you've got quite the setup! I dream of having a greenhouse like Morticia Addams for all my plants!
Yeah, if I let them in, I might end up with a mini insect museum in my living room. It can be a bit chaotic.