Wow, there is lots of info to share about house plants and tropicals! My three part series turned into four parts… for now.

In central Virginia my plant move-in date is October 1. That is a good rule of thumb so I don’t get caught one night needing to do a mass plant rearrangement when the temperature suddenly dips to an uncomfortable level for tropicals. It’s amazing how much damage can be done to tender plants just in one night of cold temps.

Many of my foliage family members are quite large so it’s easier to manage the move when there is plenty of time available. It’s no simple task to move plants as large as my 12’ tall x 7’ wide weeping fig tree (Ficus benjamina.) The little guys of course are a piece of cake.

About a month before the move-in, I start to prepare the plants for their winter stay indoors. The conditions will be very different, and some preparation will help ease the transition. Here are some helpful steps to follow:

• While still outside, relocate plants that have been in a more sunny spot to a shady location. Even a very sunny window inside is a lot less light than outside. This first stage move to lower lighting levels will reduce shock.
• Wash leaves gently with a hose end sprayer and wipe with a paper towel as needed. It’s easier to see what needs cleaning when the plants are outdoors. I don’t use any products.
• Flush the soil repeatedly with water. This helps to remove salts and chemical residues that may have built up in the soil, and also drives out any insects that may be residing there. Alternatively, a flush mixture of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water (allow to sit overnight) will eliminate insects in the soil. Flush with lots of water after treatment.

Although I use chemicals as little as possible, sometimes there is no other highly effective alternative to control pesky insects. Because of their hard shell, scale insects are a particularly resistant critter that may require drastic measures, or the big guns as I call it. Here is a link for some info from my Alma mater:  http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/scales.htm

• Inspect plants for any insects and treat with appropriate, targeted insecticide.  Some foliage is particularly sensitive so a test spray of a small area is always a good idea. For effective eradication, spraying may need to be repeated two to three times at specific intervals. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions precisely, wear waterproof gloves and protective clothing per directions. Spray selected plants for specific pests as a preventative if problems have been present in the past, or the plant is particularly prone.
• Just before coming inside it’s time for final inspection. Always look on the bottom of pots before moving. Clean the outside of pots for tidy appearance.
• Remove any obvious insects such as grand daddy longlegs. They can be temporarily paralyzed and released by picking them up with one leg. Treat them kindly. They are the good guys!

Bring your beauties in and enjoy. They clean the air and add great ambiance and living energy to your home or office!

Related posts:

“GREEN” YOUR INTERIOR WITH PLANTS… part 1 “GREEN” YOUR INTERIOR WITH PLANTS… part 2- Your New Green Thumb “GREEN” YOUR INTERIOR WITH PLANTS… part 3- Repotting Tips & Tricks