By Jessica Damiano, The Associated Press
At the end of summer, we usually focus on the last harvest, remove dead plants and plan the garden for the following year. But indoor plants also need our attention at this time.
upcoming plants
Houseplants that have spent the holiday season outdoors need a proper transition indoors to avoid surprises.
If it's gotten too big on vacation, now's the time to move it to a bigger vessel. Choose a pot no more than 2 inches wide from the current pot and plant it in the new soil, then water the well.
Often grown plants can be divided into two or more parts. Spider plants (Chlorophytum), peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), anthuriums and peacock plants (Calathea) are among the plants that are suitable for rooting and division.
If you have trouble removing the plant from the pot, check to see if the roots are out of the pot's drainage holes. If so, pull or cut loose root fibers to free the plant.
Then, to divide the plant, gently shake off as much soil as possible. Mark the junction where the top growth of the plant meets the root system and carefully separate the roots or cut them with a sharp knife, making sure that each root section has at least three healthy leaves. Pot each new plant in a pot of fresh soil. Keep the plant well watered (but never wet) until new growth emerges.
Whether warming or division is required, all outdoor houseplants should be moved to a shaded location for a week or so to acclimate to lower light levels before being brought indoors. Keep watering during this transition.
At the end of the week, inspect all parts of the plant for insects - including under the leaves - and wash the leaves and stems thoroughly with water to remove any pest-causing pests. To be safe, you can spray the plant with a diluted solution of neem oil.
End the move before the nighttime temperature outside drops below 55 degrees.
Indoor plants
Houseplants that don't leave windowsills all summer also need special attention, as short days and less sunlight will slow down their growth.
Although they are not truly dormant, most houseplants are dormant in the fall and winter, meaning they need less water and are often not fertilized until fall. Overwatering during this time will cause root rot and mold growth in wet soil.
For most plants, it is best to wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering. You can check for moisture by dipping your finger into the pan.
Slow growth also means slow healing, so pruning should be delayed until spring. However, you can cut off any dead or dying leaves or tips during the winter.
Most houseplants are from the tropics and therefore need more humidity than most houses, especially in colder areas where heating systems tend to dry out the air. Place a humidifier indoors or place plants in a watering can filled with gravel, which creates a humid microclimate as the water evaporates.
Never place plants on a working radiator and away from cold air and heaters.
The following spring, when temperatures are above 60 degrees, most plants can be safely moved outside. However, a delicate tropical plant like the African violet is a couch potato, so leave it alone.
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