Moving Houseplants Indoors for the Winter
Temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower can damage many houseplants
It is best to move houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same
so plants can readjust to being indoors before the heat is turned on
It is important to make sure the plant is free of pests on the plant and in the soil before moving
the plant indoors
1-Inspect the plant surfaces for pets
2-Take the plant out of its pot, if possible to look for pests that may have crawled
through the drainage holes.
3-Gently wash leaves and stems with a hose and allow plant to thoroughly dry
4-Spray all plant surfaces, soil, and pot with insecticidal soap (check label to make sure
insecticidal soap can be used on the plant)
Over the course of 7-10 days, gradually reduce light levels by moving the plant from sun, to light
shade, to heavy shade and then indoors. Try to keep light conditions indoors as close as
possible to light conditions outdoors. Even if you do this step correctly, the plant may still
develop leaf yellowing and/or leaf drop as it adjust to lower light.
Adjust your watering habits for an indoor plant. Overwatering is a primary cause of plant death
(see https: hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/indoor-plants-watering / for more information)
