Bringing Plants Indoors

It is the season yet again. September is traditionally the time many bring in their tropical houseplants before a cold frost sneaks upon them. Houseplants are wonderful, especially during winter months, in groups to add humidity to the air. Some have also been found to actually clean the air and rooms with plants were found to have less fungus spores and other allergens. It has been found that 1 houseplant for every 100 square feet of living space is needed to make a difference in air quality. Having even more is better. When the weather becomes warm enough and chance of frost is totally gone, placing houseplants outdoors gives them a bit of real fresh air. The sunlight and outdoor temperatures can give them a real boost in growth and appearance.

Unfortunately, you can not just yank them all back into your home when you feel the need. It has been noted that plants seem to adapt better when they are brought into a house when the windows can still be opened and fresh air let in to circulate about them. Besides this, when plants are outdoors, any number of pests may have moved in to either the soil or plant leaves. You of course don’t want to bring any of these unwanted guests into your home. Especially if you have plants such as African Violets which can easily become infested when placed next to other plants improperly treated.

Fortunately it is very easy to treat plants and pesticides don’t have to be used. Simply find a natural, non-detergent type of liquid soap. A special plant soap can also be purchased. Add this to a basin of water. You can then add essential oils such as lavender and/or neem to the wash to further kill pests. Take your potted plants and fully submerge them in the water and soap mixture. Let them sit for up to 3 hours. Any bugs hidden in the soil will be driven out and killed by the soapy solution. The roots will be fine and you’ll also be giving the plant a good drink before coming indoors. After this, take the same solution in a spray bottle and mist the plant liberally. You can also make a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and have water with a few drops soap added and essential oil of neem, cinnamon or garlic. You can also use a plant oil such as neem and water as a spray. When pests try to chew through the leaves, the neem will poison them. Neem has also been found to kill pests living in the soil if you use it to water the plant with.

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