Bringing Tropical Plants Indoors
Tropical plants, large and small, can be seen throughout our area on patios and porches alike during our hot and humid summers. They thrive and grow throughout summer, adding an exotic, jungle-like touch to our outdoor spaces. With our cold winters and fluctuating autumn weather, tropical plants must be brought inside until they can flourish again in spring. As nighttime temperatures dip into the 50s, that is our cue to start preparing our plants for bringing them indoors. Here are some steps, tips, and tricks for overwintering your tropical plants successfully so they can live to see another summer.
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Step 1. Apply a systemic granular insecticide to the plant’s soil around three to four weeks before you plan to bring it indoors. This will start the process of preventing insects from entering your home. We recommend using Bonide Systemic Granules.
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Step 2. Use neem oil and an insecticide (alternating weekly between both products) to eliminate insects. Two to three applications should be made before bringing the plant indoors to help eliminate insects and prevent them from repopulating. We recommend Neem Oil and Bonide Eight Insect Control.
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Step 3. Move the plant to a shadier location outside 10 to 14 days prior to moving it indoors to help it acclimate to lower light conditions. Even the light of windows indoors through the winter will be less sun than they are accustomed to when outdoors in the summer. Full shade outside is still more light than your sunniest window inside your home.
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Step 4. Bring the plant indoors and place it in the brightest spot possible. You may experience the loss of a few leaves; this is normal during the acclimation process. Tropical plants must acclimate; some leaf drop may occur during the acclimation process. If you lose 30% or more of the interior foliage, please give us a call so that we can help guide proper care. This is the plant’s way to preserve itself and is a natural occurrence when overwintering. We recommend having a cork mat or saucer ready to prevent water from damaging your flooring.
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Step 5. Dry air from the furnace in your home can be dehydrating to some plants. Keep them away from air vents and drafts. Using a humidifier or pebble tray to boost the moisture in the environment can be helpful to some plants.
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Step 6. Place your tropical plant on a plant stand or use a saucer underneath the container to catch any water that may damage surfaces when watering throughout their time indoors. When watering, NEVER let your plant sit in standing water. Empty the saucer regularly to keep your plant from developing root rot. Check on your plants regularly and enjoy your indoor jungle!
Some other great tools to help over the winter:
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