Falling temperatures are one of the first signals that fall is upon us. The decrease in temps slows the growth of plants and is one of the many factors that sends them into dormancy. For plants that are not winter hardy in our zone 4 hardiness area, falling temps can be the detriment if not brought in from cold temps.
Keeping Plants in Dormancy
Houseplants and tropical plants should be protected from temperatures below 50 degrees. For any plants that you have been enjoying outside. You need to act quickly to protect them from cold temps. Any tropicals that you have collected that you are thinking you may want to overwinter but not necessarily have actively growing and flowering during the winter, should be trimmed way back. Next spring this will allow the plant to branch out and have an attractive shape and healthy growth. Spray the foliage with an insecticide such as Sevin to kill off any insects that may hitch a ride into your holding area. Store these plants in a darker location with consistent temperatures in the low to mid 40’s to keep them in a state of dormancy. Any leaves that are still on the plant will yellow and fall off, so make sure to pick those off as they fall off. Water plants occasionally keep the roots hydrated. In early spring (late March/early April), start fertilizing and watering on a regular basis and put in a location with more light exposure. Wait to take outside until the chance of frost has passed and lows are consistently in the mid to upper 40’s.
Pest Control
Houseplants and tropicals that will make their way into the house should not be trimmed back, but you should apply the same insecticide treatments before bringing them inside. A total of two applications a week apart is ideal to kill off any insects that may hitch a ride inside. To keep insects such as aphids away through the winter months, apply Insecticide Systemic Granules in a 8-week rotation to ensure that there is no lag in protection.
Repotting and Cleaning
Since you are handling all of your plants, now is a great time to repot them if they are outgrowing their current containers. When replanting, using quality potting soil such as Premier Promix is important for optimum root health. Wash off all leaves, as dust can impede with photosynthesis. Using leaf shine helps condition leaves and can repel dust for some time.
Placement and Watering
Place your plants according to their light needs. Plants that require indirect bright light should be placed near windows but not directly by the window. If you cannot provide enough light, grow lights may be necessary to ensure plants are getting enough light. Water your plants according to their watering needs as well throughout the winter/ early spring season. A good rule of thumb on most plants is to allow the soil to dry the top inch or two before watering. Allowing this drying can help prevent fungus gnats from being a problem throughout the winter. If fungus gnats start to show up start watering with a solution made from the product Mosquito Bits. This solution can kill off the larvae of fungus gnats. Cut back on fertilizing as well. Solutions at half strength once a month is than sufficient for most plants but check the needs of each plant.
Time to Go Back Outside
Do not rush taking your plants outside in the spring. Late spring frosts are not uncommon, and it takes a while for nighttime temps to rise. Late May/ early June is a realistic timeline to start to think about allowing your houseplants and tropicals to go back outside. Place your plants in a semi protected spot when you first take your plants outside to harden them off. After several days place them in your final spot. Remember when outdoors, plants will use more water than when inside.
