By John Green, Certified Texas Expert Gardener
Another week of fantastic weather has passed us by but unfortunately without much needed rainfall. Perhaps a few of you were lucky, me—not so much! It is evident that daytime temperatures are drifting downward from summers harsh high temps which made me ‘take a peek’ at the 30-day weather prediction suggesting our daily high temperatures likely could fall into low to mid 80’s within the next couple of weeks. Our nighttime temperatures will also fall, which is a signal for gardeners to begin relocating houseplants and sensitive tropical plants to areas that offer protection during the fall and winter months. Gardeners, if you have not yet started, my suggestion is to begin finding ‘perfect’ locations in well lit areas inside the home or prepare an area specifically for houseplants and other sensitive tropical plants, such as a heated garage (with adequate lighting) or by enclosing a porch area to retain heat.
It is always amazing to me how quickly our collection of plants grows season to season! It is never more evident until the seasons begin to change, then each plant must have a protected space to “hang out” for several months! Now is the time to determine what to do with the numerous ornamental plants strategically placed outside on porches, patios, decks and scattered about the yard during the spring and summer months. Prepare well ahead before our area experiences its initial frigid blast, as doing so will save time and reduce frustration, rather than procrastinating and regretting it…speaking from experience!
Group plants in a sunny location inside your home, a protected porch, or garage. Ensure the area is well lit and that plants have adequate air circulation. Increase interior humidity by misting plants or by using pebble trays containing gravel with water, refilling trays as needed (image courtesy: Homesandgardens.com).
Before relocating plants to a new location for fall and winter, make space available inside your home, garage, front/back porch (where plants can be protected from cold temperatures) or a greenhouse and ensure ample sunlight is available.
The most important step before relocating a plant is to visually inspect the entire plant for unwanted pests. Thoroughly scrutinize every leaf (top and underside), stem, trunk and the soil’s surface for insects, frogs, lizards, birds, or anything else you don’t want to reside inside the home or wherever the plants will overwinter. While plants are outdoors, use a garden hose to wash the plants using a gentle blast of water which removes most pests and insects. If aphids, mites, or other pests remain, spray the plant with Neem Oil to rid plants of remaining pests. Once the pests are removed, thoroughly inspect each plant again, removing diseased or dead limbs and leaves. Pruning also may be necessary, especially if the plant has grown considerably during the summer months. If repotting is necessary, prune the roots while the plant is out of its old pot, which will stimulate new root development. The new pot should be upsized no more than 2-inches larger than the previous pot if the roots were tightly bound.
It’s always a good idea to allow plants to adapt before subjecting them to life inside our homes. Begin this process when evening temperatures are around 55 degrees F or cooler. Bring them inside and place them back outside during the day. Gradually, increase the amount of time over the next couple of weeks until all plants are moved indoors. Of course, if you have a large plant collection (personal collection is over a hundred) then this simply isn’t possible. If you are not able to move plants in and out, then gradually move sun loving plants into shady areas for a week or two, allowing them to acclimate to lower light levels, then relocate them inside.
Choose an area inside the home where the temperature range is between 60-75 degrees F during the day. Plants dislike temperature fluctuations and drafty conditions, such as being placed close to an entryway since temperatures are constantly shifting as the door is opened.
Humidity inside our homes is typically around 40% or less. Most plants enjoy higher humidity levels, so misting plants several times a day can provide the needed air moisture, or humidity trays can be used, which are trays filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, the humidity level increases around the plants. Check the water level every few days, refill as necessary or another option is to purchase an inexpensive humidifier.
Houseplants don’t require as much water as they did while outside. If the soil surface is moist, the plant doesn’t need water. Test the soil with your finger about an inch below the surface, if it’s dry, water. Do Not overwater houseplants, they will die from root rot.
Plants should be placed near a sunny window so they can get as much natural light as possible. They need sunlight to sustain their daily carbohydrate needs (photosynthesis). If natural light is limited, purchase lights, which are low cost and highly effective.
Plants placed in a garage require sunlight or grow lights and a heat source. Garages tend to become very cold when temperatures drop. Back porches make wonderful temporary greenhouses. Simply frame them with 1 x 1”s and enclose them with plastic and add a small space heater for warmth.
So long for now fellow gardeners! Let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener, more sustainable world, one “greenhouse” at a time! Please continue sending gardening questions to: jongreene57@gmail.com.
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