Fall is coming. There is so much to do and so little time.

September is the time to start thinking about bringing in plants that have spent summer outdoors. Dracaena, Schefflera, Ficus, Gesneriads and Arailia species should be brought inside in September. These plants are more sensitive to cold. Other plants should be brought indoors when temperatures drop regularly into the mid-50s and a week before the furnace is on—this includes nighttime temperatures at or below 50 degrees.

Ideally, the plants should be moved in the landscape to a protected area with lower light levels before returning them to the home. Plants may be brought inside for the night and placed back outside during the day to the protected area with lower light conditions. Outside light is generally brighter than in the home. As such, some gardeners choose to shuttle the plants back and forth, as long as daytime temperatures remain mild.

Before being moved permanently indoors, each plant must have a thorough inspection to receive a clean bill of health. Check very closely for pests on undersides of leaves, new growth and areas where the leaf and stem meet.

Wash the plants using soapy water such as mild dishwashing liquid and tepid water. Rinse the soapy water away with a garden hose or in the sink. Use insecticides only after washing and only if pests are found on the plant.

Run clear water through the pot, to dissolve any mineral salts in the soil that remain after summer fertilizing. The amount of water suggested is ten times the amount normally required to wet the soil ball. The fertilizer salts will be flushed away and the roots will be healthier for their winter home.

After you bring the plant indoors for the winter, they will show signs of lower light intensity as their metabolism slows. Loss of foliage the first few weeks is common. Give each plant adjustment time. Do not water unless the dryness of the soil indicates to do so. If watering is necessary, use room temperature water. Plants do not need fertilization at this time.

Try to move plants to windows that receive more light. You may supplement with artificial lights designed for plants. Keep plants away from doors and areas with cold drafts. Do not let the leaves touch the cold windows, as the leaves will freeze. Also remember that clay pots placed next to windows will conduct cold temperatures to the soil and chill the roots. Keep clay-potted specimen plants farther away from windowpanes.

Initiate fertilization in early spring. Some horticulturists recommend fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during the winter. If the plants are growing in ideal conditions with a controlled environment and supplemental light, it would be best to fertilize as usual.

Resources:
University of Missouri Ext.
University of Illinois Ext.
New Mexico State University
University of Minnesota

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  September 28, 2006