This is usually about four to six weeks before the average first frost in your area. A couple of weeks before the temperatures dip to 50 degrees or below, put your potted plants underneath a tree or onto a covered porch so they can start adjusting to the reduced light they'll get in your home.
Houseplants/tropicals need to come inside when night temperatures are below the low- to mid-50s or approximately one month before you normally turn on the heat in your house.
Most houseplants are tropicals and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. For many plants, temperatures below 50°F can cause problems. Adjust thermostats to cater to your comfort, but remember your plants need some consideration.
Yes, potted plants get stressed when we move them because you change their growing conditions in this way. The plants have the ability to adapt themselves to the environment. When you change their environment they have to struggle again adapting themselves to the new environment.
Mix one tablespoon of castille soap with one litre of water, and pop it into a spray bottle. Spray the whole plant with the mixture: the tops of leaves, bottoms of leaves and even the stem. Wipe the plant down gently and let excess water drain out.
Some experts recommend bathing or soaking plants in a bucket of water with mild dishwashing soap before bringing them inside. If your plants are too big for the bucket treatment, spray them with water to remove outdoor dust and soft-bodied insects from the leaves.
“In nature, plants will naturally gather humidity from the air, creating dew drops which will freshen the plant leaves and remove dust,” she says. “This ultimately creates a better exchange of oxygen and moisture. Misting one to two times per week can refresh your plants and keep them happy and thriving.”
Plants need to adjust and rebuild their root systems, a process that can span several weeks. During this period, it's essential to provide consistent care, including adequate watering, proper sunlight exposure, and regular monitoring for any signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies.
It's safe to move your plants outside when the outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. Pay attention to the weather report. If nighttime temperatures are set to fall below 50°F, bring your plants in for the night.
During the day, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. However, at night, they switch gears and respire - taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, just like humans do. This has led some people to worry that having plants in the bedroom could deplete oxygen levels during the night.
Keep soil moist, but be careful not to overwater — pothos do best when their soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. If the leaves are wilting or turning brown, you should water the plant more often. If the leaves are yellow, you may be watering it too much. Excessive watering may cause root rot.
WHEN TO BRING PLANTS INSIDE. As a general rule, tender plants should be brought in when nighttime temperatures are below 50 to 55 degrees F, even if they are hardy for your zone. A plant's roots are more exposed when planted in a container versus in the ground.
Sometimes a plant just needs a fresh start to return to health. For a plant that isn't too far gone, or a plant that has outgrown its pot until its roots are coming out of the bottom, shake the soil off the roots, trim off any that are dead or slimy looking and repot the plant with fresh potting soil.
Some plants like succulents, cacti or begonias, they're from lighter areas in their natural environment and they need quite a bit of direct sun indoors. So you want to place them in the sunniest window that you have. Then there are plants that are from more shaded regions, like a Birds Nest fern or a Boston fern.”
ACCLIMATING YOUR PLANTS TO The INDOORS
Avoid moving plants directly from outdoor conditions to the indoors as this can stress them. Instead, gradually acclimate them by placing them in a shaded or partially shaded area for a few days. Don't be alarmed if your plant drops some leaves soon after being brought indoors.
When nighttime temperatures start to dip consistently to around 50°F, it's time to bring plants back indoors. Most houseplants are native to tropical areas and will not tolerate freezing temperatures.
As the light levels increase, it's time to water the plants more frequently! You'll notice your houseplants start to perk up and show signs of new growth. Water your moisture-loving plants once per week and around once every two weeks for low-maintenance plants.
Most houseplants like to be by windows. Some thrive in sunny conditions, whilst others need more shade than direct sunlight. Most houseplants are happy with a window that is either west, or east facing.
We recommend letting most newly-transplanted houseplants – especially cacti and succulents – go a few days without additional water so their new roots can breathe and begin growing into their new space. For moisture-loving plants – like maidenhair fern, for instance – you'll need to water sooner.
Can We Use Sugar Water For Dying Plants? Although it is not considered a fertilizer, you can use sugar if your plants aren't doing so well. Sugar water in plants can help the microorganisms in the soil break down all the nutrients. It is vastly not recommended, though, to use just the sugar as plant food to save them.
Identifying the symptoms of transplant shock is important for prompt treatment. Common signs include wilting or drooping leaves, yellowing or browning foliage, leaf drop, and stunted growth.
Misting does not help all houseplants. Cacti, succulents, fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), and other plants that prefer dry environments are among them.
It's best to use filtered or distilled water when misting your houseplants. If you mist a lot, tap water can cause mineral build-up on your plant leaves.
On the other hand, there are many indoor plants like succulents and cacti that are native to arid regions and do not require high humidity levels. Spraying these types of plants can actually harm them by creating an environment that encourages mold growth and root rot.