Like you, your plants have enjoyed the sunshine and the long summer days. They’ve danced in the wind and welcomed visits from a wide variety of insects. But now autumn has arrived, the nights are cool, and you’re getting ready to bring them indoors for the winter. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe transition and a worry-free winter!
A careful Inspection
Before anything else, inspect your plants thoroughly to make sure they’re not harboring harmful insects. Pay close attention to fine webs, black spots, or damage on the leaves. Don’t hesitate to turn over the foliage and shake the stems to flush out any hidden intruders. This article is intended for plants that appear to be in good health. If you believe you’ve identified an unwanted pest, start an appropriate treatment right away.
Time for a shower
Begin with a bit of manual cleaning. Dead leaves and other debris in pots provide perfect hiding spots for unwanted insects. If possible, clean the foliage and stems thoroughly with a strong jet of water. Whenever you can, lay the plant on its side so that the water, insects, and dislodged debris drain away outside rather than into the pot.
Preventive predators
Despite your best efforts, some pests may still be present when you bring your plants indoors. Preventive predators can save the day, as they can easily detect and attack these pests. A combination of Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius californicus, and Stratiolaelaps scimitus is effective against the most common indoor plant pests.
What about the pots?
If you’ve planned to repot, autumn is the ideal time to do it. Otherwise, leave the soil undisturbed and avoid soaking the pot. Not only does this create unnecessary stress for the plant, but soil pests are relatively uncommon, and excess moisture can lead to additional problems. Keep in mind that millipedes are not pests: they’re harmless and even useful for breaking down organic matter.
Conclusion
Late-summer preparations are an important step in keeping your plants healthy. With a little vigilance, some thorough cleaning, and the help of natural predators, your plants will thrive through the winter—while the insects stay outside!