You know that the Maryland summers are hot and humid, and while we want to dive indoors to the perfect 70 degrees, houseplants are yearning for the outside. Hot, sweaty, and humid is what they would keep their AC to, replicating the natural habitats of rainforests, bogs, and tropical paradises. Putting your houseplants in shady areas outdoors helps promote growth over the summer, but inevitably they will have to return inside. There are steps to ensure a smooth transition; spraying for bugs, lower light acclimation, and readjusting your watering schedule. We will walk you through that!
1. The Start of Cold Nights
Since houseplants are tropical, they thrive year-round outside in areas like Florida, but here in Maryland, we experience all of the seasons. Our nights can drop to 55 degrees, which means
they can be damaged by the cold or frost. We start seeing colder temps in early October, so when the nights begin to get into the 50’s, it is time to plan hibernation.
2. Bugs Stay Outside
Let’s do a wellness check, first. Bugs exist outside, and unfortunately anything in their territory is fair game. Fear not! We have products that are both for treatments and preventatives. We recommend spraying your plant with Neem Oil, or using Bonide Systemic Granules to make your plant unappetizing for bugs. Be sure to let your plants dry out adequately to prevent pesky fungus gnats.
3. Reduce Your Watering
Plants go through dormancy, and bringing them indoors for the winter time initiates that. With less heat and light, their watering schedule will stretch longer. Also, you can take time
off from fertilizing, and begin again in late winter or early spring, prepping them for their journey back to the wonderful humid outdoors next summer!
4. Don’t Be Shocked About Light
The humid outside is every houseplant’s ideal place, but of course our homes have walls and low light corners. Before hauling them in, let the plants adapt to shadier spots. First, bring them closer to the house, wait a few days, then place them in the brightest room of your home. Let them acclimate for a week, and then situate them in their indoor spot.