Moving Plants Indoors Without Bringing the Bugs Along

After spending the summer outside soaking up sunshine, your houseplants and tropical plants may be looking better than ever. But as temperatures begin to cool in Connecticut, it is time to start thinking about bringing plants indoors for fall.

There is just one problem. Your plants may have picked up a few unwanted passengers while they were outside.

Aphids, spider mites, scale, mealybugs and other small pests can hide on leaves, stems and around containers. Bringing plants indoors without checking them first can introduce those pests to the rest of your houseplant collection.

Before your tropical plants and houseplants make the move inside, a little inspection, cleaning and preparation can make the transition much easier.

Bring Houseplants Indoors Before Cold Weather Arrives

Do not wait for the first frost to start thinking about your indoor plants.

Many tropical plants and common houseplants are sensitive to cold temperatures. Because different plants have different temperature tolerances, it is important to know what you are growing and move cold-sensitive plants indoors before temperatures become too chilly for them.

Here in Bolton and throughout Central Connecticut, fall temperatures can change quickly. Start preparing your plants early so you are not trying to inspect, clean and move everything inside on one unexpectedly cold evening.

Inspect Plants for Bugs Before Bringing Them Indoors

Before a plant crosses the threshold, give it a thorough inspection.

Pay particular attention to the tops and undersides of leaves, new growth, flower buds, stems, the soil surface, pot rims and drainage holes.

Common houseplant pests can be surprisingly small. Look for the insects themselves as well as signs that something may be living on the plant.

Sticky residue, fine webbing, unusual bumps, discolored leaves or speckled foliage can all be reasons to take a closer look.

If something seems suspicious, keep that plant separate from your other houseplants until you can identify the problem.

Clean Houseplants Before Moving Them Inside

Outdoor plants collect plenty of dust, debris and hitchhikers during the summer.

Before bringing them indoors, remove dead leaves, spent flowers and other debris from the plant and container. Clean the outside of pots and saucers as appropriate.

Depending on the plant, gently rinsing or wiping the foliage can help remove dust and some insects.

Cleaning each plant also gives you another opportunity to inspect it closely before it joins your indoor collection.

Check the Soil, Pots and Drainage Holes

Do not focus only on the foliage.

Pots and containers provide plenty of hiding places for insects and other outdoor visitors.

Check underneath the container, around the rim, near drainage holes and on the surface of the potting soil. Remove fallen leaves and other debris that may have accumulated in the pot during summer.

If a plant actually needs repotting, choose an appropriate container and fresh potting mix suited to that particular plant rather than bringing outdoor garden soil inside.

Treat Houseplant Pests Before Coming Indoors

If you discover insects, deal with the problem before placing the plant near your indoor houseplants.

The appropriate treatment depends on both the pest and the plant involved. Some problems may be managed by physically removing pests or rinsing foliage, while others may require a product labeled for the particular pest and plant.

Always read and follow product label directions carefully.

If you are not sure what you have found, take clear photos and visit Cropley’s Garden Center in Bolton for help identifying the problem before choosing a treatment.

Keep Returning Plants Separate at First

Even after a careful inspection, tiny insects or eggs can sometimes be difficult to spot.

When possible, keep plants that spent the summer outdoors separated from your established indoor houseplants for a period after bringing them inside.

Continue checking leaves, stems and new growth regularly.

Finding a pest problem while a plant is isolated is much easier than discovering it after insects have spread throughout your houseplant collection.

Help Plants Adjust to Indoor Conditions

Coming indoors is a major environmental change for a plant.

Outdoor light levels are often much brighter than indoor conditions. Humidity, temperature and air circulation also change once plants move inside.

Some plants may respond by dropping a few leaves or slowing their growth.

Place each plant in appropriate indoor light and do not assume it will need the same watering schedule it had outdoors. A plant growing more slowly indoors may use water differently.

Check the soil before watering and adjust your routine according to the needs of the plant.

Find the Right Indoor Light for Houseplants

Before moving plants inside, think about where they are going to spend the fall and winter.

A tropical plant that spent summer in bright outdoor conditions may struggle if it suddenly moves into a dark corner of the house.

Some houseplants prefer bright indirect light, while others tolerate lower-light conditions. Choosing an indoor location based on the needs of the plant can make the transition easier.

If you are unsure how much light your houseplant needs, ask the team at Cropley’s Garden Center before choosing its winter home.

Watch Indoor Humidity During Fall and Winter

Indoor air can become much drier once home heating systems begin running.

Some tropical houseplants appreciate higher humidity than the average heated home provides. Depending on the plants and conditions in your home, grouping plants together or using a humidifier may help.

Most importantly, watch your plants.

Browning leaf edges, yellowing foliage, leaf drop or wilting may be signs that something has changed. Check light, watering, humidity and the plant itself for possible pest problems.

Make Bringing Plants Indoors Part of Your Fall Routine

Moving your entire plant collection indoors does not have to become one giant weekend project.

Start early and work through your plants a few at a time.

Inspect them. Clean them. Check the containers and soil. Address pest problems. Decide where each plant will live indoors.

A little preparation can help protect both the plants coming inside and the houseplants that have been living indoors all summer.

It can also help keep those outdoor hitchhikers from turning your indoor plant collection into their new winter home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Plants Indoors

When should I bring my houseplants indoors in Connecticut?

Bring cold-sensitive houseplants and tropical plants indoors before temperatures fall below what those particular plants can safely tolerate. Because temperature requirements vary by plant, begin preparing early rather than waiting for the first frost.

How do I check houseplants for bugs before bringing them inside?

Inspect the tops and undersides of leaves, stems, new growth, soil surface, pot rims and drainage holes. Look for insects as well as webbing, sticky residue, unusual bumps, discoloration or speckled leaves.

Should I wash plants before bringing them indoors?

Many plants can benefit from having outdoor dust and debris gently removed before coming inside. Whether foliage should be rinsed or wiped depends on the plant, so use a cleaning method appropriate for the species.

What are common pests on houseplants?

Aphids, spider mites, scale and mealybugs are among the pests that may affect houseplants. Correctly identifying the pest is important before deciding how to manage it.

Should I repot plants before bringing them indoors?

Not necessarily. A plant does not automatically need repotting simply because it is moving indoors. Repot when the plant actually needs a larger container, fresh potting mix or attention to another soil or root issue.

Should outdoor houseplants be separated from other plants indoors?

Keeping returning plants separate from established indoor houseplants can make it easier to spot a pest problem before it spreads. Continue inspecting the plants after they come inside.

Why are my plants losing leaves after I bring them indoors?

Plants may react to changes in light, temperature, humidity and watering after moving indoors. Some adjustment can occur, but significant or continuing leaf loss deserves a closer look for environmental problems or pests.

Where can I get help with houseplants near Bolton, CT?

Visit Cropley’s Garden Center in Bolton, Connecticut for houseplant and tropical plant advice, plant care guidance and help identifying common houseplant pests and problems.

Visit Cropley’s Garden Center in Bolton, CT

Getting your plants ready to come inside? Stop by Cropley’s Garden Center for help with houseplant care, pest identification and preparing your plants for the transition from the outdoor garden to their indoor home.

A little fall preparation can help keep your houseplants healthy indoors and leave the outdoor bugs where they belong: outdoors.