08/09/2026
Did you take your houseplants outside to enjoy the summer? It is time to start acclimating them to come back inside.
Before temperatures drop too low, follow these steps to make their transition smooth and pest-free:
• Check for Hitchhikers: Give your plants a thorough inspection. Check the undersides of leaves and the soil for any bugs that enjoyed the summer just as much as your plants did. A gentle spray with a hose or a treatment with insecticidal soap can help clear away unwanted pests.
• The Slow Transition: Plants can go into shock if moved from bright outdoor sun directly into a dimmer indoor room. Bring them inside for a few hours a day, gradually increasing their indoor time over a week or two to help them adjust to lower light levels.
• Hold the Fertilizer: As daylight hours shorten, your plants' growth will naturally slow down. Hold off on feeding them until spring.
• Adjust Your Watering: Indoor environments have less air circulation and lower light, meaning your plants won't dry out as quickly. Check the soil moisture before watering to prevent root rot.
Stop by the garden center this week to pick up pest prevention supplies, fresh potting soil, or a new indoor planter to get your green friends ready for winter. What plants did you move outside this summer? Let us know in the comments.
