Nighttime temperatures are soon dropping to the low 50’s meaning it’s time to bring our houseplants indoors for the rest of the year.
Pests are often hard to see or burrow in the soil where it’s hard to get to. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Fill a large bucket with lukewarm water and add a few squirts of a mild soap.
Step 2: Place the plant inside its pot with drainage holes in the water for 15 minutes. The pot should sit 1 inch below the rim of the water.
Step 3: Use a spray bottle with the soapy water and thoroughly spray any foliage above the water.
Step 4: Remove the pot and allow the plant to drain fully for at least 1 hour.
Step 5: Pick off, wipe, or spray off any remaining pests you see. Treating bi-weekly with Neem Oil is beneficial.
Fertilize your houseplants through the fall, but stop fertilizing in the winter as the plants grow much slower during this time. Your plants will likely need less water when they are brought inside. Water when the top 1 or 2 inches of the soil feels dry. Continue inspecting plants weekly for pests while wiping or rinsing them off