Robin Pero - October 6, 2024
Bringing Indoor Tropical Plants Indoors for the Fall: Tips From a Horticulturist
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning your tropical plants indoors. These vibrant, heat-loving species need a little extra care during this time to adjust to their new indoor environment and continue thriving through the colder months. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your plants stay healthy throughout the fall and winter.
Things to consider..
1. Timing is Everything
Before nighttime temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F), it’s crucial to bring your tropical plants indoors. Tropical species are sensitive to cold, and waiting too long can cause stress, stunted growth, or even plant death. Keeping an eye on the forecast and acting proactively will give your plants the best chance of a smooth transition. Keep your eye out for frost warnings, if you're unable to get to your plants before the night temps start dipping, the frost point is where you will experience tissue death so it is CRUCIAL to get your plants inside before then.
2. Check for Pests Before Moving Indoors
One common mistake many plant owners make is forgetting to inspect plants for pests before bringing them inside and exposing indoor plant collections to infested plants. Insects like aphids, spider mites, and thrips can hide in the soil or on the leaves and hitch a ride indoors, causing infestations that are much harder to control once they spread to other houseplants. You may also find creepy crawlies and other harmless soil dwelling insects in your soil. While this isn't harmful to your plants, you may not want insects crawling around inside so there are a few ways to deal with this.
Carefully examine your plants before moving them. If you're worried about hitchhikers in the soil, submerge the pot in a bucket of water to force any soil-dwelling pests to surface. You can also apply diatomaceous earth to the soil. This natural substance is made from fossilized algae and works as an insect deterrent by damaging the exoskeletons of pests like fungus gnats and thrips. Diatomaceous earth is also a wonderful solution for pests on leaves. I've had great success mixing with water and soaking my plants.
3. Spider Mites and Thrips Control
Spider mites and thrips are two of the most common pests you'll encounter, and both can be particularly damaging indoors where natural predators are limited. If you spot these pests, don't panic—there are eco-friendly solutions. Diatomaceous earth, as mentioned earlier, can help deter these pests when sprinkled lightly on the soil or sprayed on the leaves and stems. If you're dealing with an active infestation, you might want to release beneficial insects like predatory mites to control both spider mites and thrips
The key to catch infestations is to act early and quickly and repeat treatment.
4. Repotting in Fall: Yes, You Can!
Contrary to popular belief, repotting in the fall is not necessarily a bad idea. If your tropical plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has lost its integrity, repotting is beneficial—even at this time of year. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, soil that dries out too quickly, or water sitting on top of the soil for long periods.
Repotting can help refresh the soil, providing more nutrients and space for root growth. Just ensure you're gentle with the roots and avoid doing this right after the plant has been exposed to cold, as it can already be in shock.
5. Increase Relative Humidity
Most tropical plants thrive in high humidity, but once inside, they often experience much drier air, especially during the winter when heating systems are running. To combat this, group your plants together to create a micro-humid environment or invest in a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Placing plants on trays filled with pebbles and water can also help to keep the humidity levels higher around them. Running a humidifier in your home is also a great way to boost relative humidity levels which is not only beneficial for your plants but also our own living environment! While you may think misting your plants helps, it creates moisture on the plants and does little to add to the humidity levels in the air.
6. Supplemental Lighting
The amount of natural light indoors during fall and winter is much lower than what your tropical plants receive outside during the growing season. To compensate, consider adding supplemental grow lights. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and emit the right spectrum of light to encourage healthy photosynthesis. Place them a few inches above your plants and run them for about 12-14 hours a day to simulate a more tropical environment.
7. Fertilize Gently
Even though your tropical plants are coming indoors and will slow down their growth, they still need nutrients to stay healthy. However, it's important to use a gentle, organic fertilizer during this time to avoid over-fertilizing and stressing the plant. Apply sparingly, perhaps once every month or two, to keep your plants nourished without promoting excessive growth during their semi-dormant phase. Currently my favorite fertilizer is Bios Nutrients which is a natural plant fertilizer/soil amendment full of beneficial bacteria, high quality nutrients, and minerals.
8. Prune Damaged or Broken Leaves
As part of their transition indoors, tropical plants often experience some shock, leading to damaged or broken leaves. Prune off any dead, yellowing, or broken leaves before bringing your plants inside. This helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth and improves air circulation around the remaining foliage. Regular pruning throughout the winter will also help prevent any disease or pest issues from spreading.
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation and a little extra care, your tropical plants can successfully transition indoors and continue thriving throughout the fall and winter. Keep an eye on the temperature, watch for pests, and provide the right conditions to simulate their outdoor tropical environment. By staying vigilant and adapting your plant care routine, you’ll keep your tropical beauties looking lush and healthy all year long.
Happy Gardening!
-Robin
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