My first experience with bringing my plants indoors has taught me a valuable lesson. Somehow, I thought that the insects would just magically disappear without me having to do anything. Or the fact that they were invisible to me meant that they were not embedded into the soil. Big mistake what I discovered was a few days later insects crawling all over the carpet to my shock and horror. I learnt a valuable lesson.
Before bringing them inside consider the following as a precaution :
- Do not use the same potting mix that’s been sitting outdoors because bugs tend to hide in the soil.
- Clean the leaves and stems of the plant with a mild soap solution.
- Isolate the plant by making a miniature green house or clear plastic for a few days and check to see if there are any bugs that have developed during the waiting period.
- Consider which is the best location indoors for the plants to make this adjustment.
- You can use a grow light to help with the adjustment of the plant transitioning indoors especially if you live in a cold climate.
- Allow the plant to adjust for a period as it may be adapting to its new climate it may lose a few leaves during this period of transitioning.
- Keep checking the plant to see how well it is adjusting to the new environment.
- Within a few weeks the plant should regain its vitality and begin to put out leaves.
Potting Mix
Choose a good potting mixture that contain a blend of different ingredients. A soil that is rich in composed materials will be rich in nutrient for the soil. Usually, the packaging label will give you an idea of which is best for indoor use depending on the type of plant. If you have tropical plants, be sure to use a type of soil that is comparable to the climate that they are accustomed to being in. It should be able well drained and not hold water unnecessarily. This will cause issues with the root system and the chances of survival would be slim.
Cleaning the plant
Using a mild soap solution is always the best. There are also store-bought products that are helpful. You can also use the hose to give the plant a good shower and remove any insects that can be attached to it. If you are fearful that the soap could cause harm. You also have the option of testing a small area of the plant to see if the soap will cause any damage. From this conclusion. Then decided if you wish to use soap as the solution.
Quarantine your Plant
This is usually the safest way to avoid other plants from being affected by bugs. A home-made clear plastic bag can be used. Water the plant before and secure the plant in the bag. What you are doing is creating a mini- green house and by using a transparent bag it is easy to see if there are any bugs crawling inside and this makes it easier to get rid of them. After checking to see that they have all gone discard the bag safely and place the plant in your desired location.
Choose a Good location
Having your plants exposed to the natural elements is always the best for a healthy growth. It is being pollinated by insects, the wind also is helpful with this, there is plenty of sunshine and natural rainwater and a good soil with the proper drainage creates a healthy and good environment for the plant.
When you decided to take them indoors. This is an adjustment for the plant and sometimes it creates a shock for the plant to adjust to this new environment. Therefore, it is important to try to make the plant feel that there is very little change by placing it in the right location. Sunshine, and an atmosphere where it can thrive. Adding a mist humidifier is method to assist with this adjustment. The humidity in your home needs to be right for the plant to thrive.
Use Grow Lights
Help your plants to adjust by considering adding grow lights. If you do not have enough sunlight filtered into your home your plants will not be able to adjust and you will notice changes like the leaves wilting and the plant stems becoming limp. There could also be a change in the color of the leaves indicating that it is lacking some important nutrients. If your outdoor plant has been accustomed to having six to eight hours of direct sunlight then the grow light will assist with the lack of sunlight and help the plant to become revitalized and begin to grow.
Fertilizing your Plant
If you have made all the necessary changes to accommodate the plant, then you can use a fertilizer to help boost the growth and development of the root system. Either purchase or making your own by using simple ingredients in your own kitchen like eggs shells crushed or ground to a power or used coffee grounds have been used to help with the growth of plants.
Allow Time for Adjustment
The plant will need time to adjust being indoors. Do not be too eager to feel that all hope is lost if the plant is going through different stages of growth. It will take some time for it to resume into the normal growth pattern. Continue to care until it has resumed. You will notice changes and new leaves returning and some growth. During the winter months it is possible that some plants are a bit dormant, and the growth pattern will be slowed down. Do not be alarmed this is a normal process that some plants go through.
Make the Right Choice for your Indoor Space
There are some plants that do well indoors. Their chances of survival will be a higher probability. When planting in your garden space outdoors consider the following plants as an option to take indoors as the weather changes to a colder temperature.
- Tradescantia Nanouk
- Bromeliad
- Bird of Paradise
- Pothos
- Chinese Evergreen
- Spider Plant
- Croton
- Dumb Cane
- Begonias
- Prayer plant
- Peace Lily
Tradescantia Nanouk
A beautiful plant consisting of variegated leaves of purple, white and green. Makes an excellent hanging basket or a center piece for any room. You can also allow the plant to trail along the walls or cupboards in your home. They can be found in many Caribbean Islands in gardens or used as hanging baskets or as trails on fences or trees.
Anthurium
An Excellent plant for your indoor collection. It’s hard to believe when looking at this plant that it is real. Keeping this plant indoors will help to purify the air. Unfortunately, it can cause sensitivity to the skin.
Bromeliad
This tropical plant is found in the Caribbean. It can survive well there because of the hot humid climate and the sunshine. There are many species of this plant, and they can be found in a variety of colours and textures. Popular with gardeners are red, orange, yellow. They are drought-tolerant and will enjoy a good humidity in the home.
There is no need to be concerned about the toxicity because they are safe around pets and small children, so this makes them a good fit for indoors.
Bird of Paradise
A Tropical colourful plant that somehow reminds me of the hummingbird. It makes a good houseplant and prefers a well-drained soil and a humid environment. It is drought-tolerant and overwatering the plant should be avoided to prevent issues with the leaves and the root system. It is toxic to pets like cats and dogs therefore some caution should be exercised. Placing the plant in a safe location away from these animals will be helpful.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are easy to care for and are great to keep around the home to remove chemicals and help to clean the air. They thrive in humid climate and are great show pieces for hanging baskets. They are low maintenance and will respond well in indirect sunlight.
Croton
Not many people are aware that croton can grew as tall trees they are sometimes used to make hedges in Tropical countries. They are available in many varieties with a blend of colours like red, purple, and yellow. When handling use a glove as some may have a sensitivity to the plant. Place the plant gradually in a sunny area and be careful not to get the leaves scorched.
Pothos
Found in the Caribbean, Asia, and many other countries. This is a variegated plant with colours of green blended with white and yellow. They are also found in different varieties. They make excellent houseplant either as a hanging basket or trailing in the home. It also does not require much water. Many tropical gardeners use them as trails and sometimes they can be found at the base of a tree trunk trailing. The tropical humid climate allows them to thrive there. One of the easiest plants to propagate is to place a cutting in water and allow it to form a root system. They will survive indoors with filtered or indirect sunlight.
Chinese Evergreen
A native plant of Asia that are available in different species like the Red Siam Chinese Evergreen, the White Joy Aglaonema, Aglaonema Commutatum Maria, and others. I have had the Aglaonema Commutatum Maria for many years as a houseplant and it has done very well. I have kept it in filtered sunlight and watered only when required. This specie is green with variegated leaves and gets quite bushy. It has also bloomed a white flower once. They are easy to take care of some caution should be exercised as it is toxic to humans and pets.
Dumb Cane
This plant is a popular plant in the Caribbean, and it is found in Mexico. Its attraction is it leaves which come in a blend of green, yellow, and white. It grows well indoors but needs to be handled with some caution as it is toxic. Place the plant in indirect sunlight and water as needed. A good humid environment works best for this plant.
Begonias
They will do well if kept out of direct sunlight. They require lots of humidity and do not overwater them which can cause root rot. A humidifier will work to keep the environment well for sustaining them.
Prayer Plant
Originated in South America and is an evergreen. It gets its name from the plants ability at night to fold the leaves as if in prayer hence the name given to this amazing plant. It is a good plant for a hanging basket as it grows and spreads. It does not require much light but needs a good humidity.
Peace Lily
They are found in a Tropical climate and require low to moderate light or filtered sunlight. They seem to grow well even if they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Keeping them Indoors makes a good fit as the plant can purify the air in the home. The soil will need to be well drained. Be aware that these plants are toxic to humans and pets. Other than that concern, they make a good plant to display in the home.
Choosing What is Best for Your Space
While these are just a few suggestions to bring into the home. Careful considerations will be needed to see if these plants are suitable for your space with regards to small children and even pets. If you are concerned about plants that could cause issues for you in the future, then its best to choose the ones that you think are a better fit for your own situation. It may take a bit more work to keep them flourishing indoors especially during the cold season but overall, you will be happy that you made the effort.
Learning about how to take care of plants usually involves trial and error. One method may work for one season and may not for another. It all depends on how long the plant takes to adjust to its new environment. What is essential is to provide the basic necessities it needs and hopefully in time they will adjust to the new environment.