Tropicals can not live outdoors in Ohio after frost. These lovely plants can suffer with temperatures even in the 40’s. Watch the weather!
The transition from outside to inside is very hard on a plant. Imagine not being able to go outdoors after months of fresh air, bathing in the sunshine, feeling the humidity, and quenching your thirst with fresh rain water. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Just remember this and be patient while your plants adjust. Before moving tropicals indoors, relocate them to the shade a week or two before the transition. This will soften the stress of a lower light level once it comes inside.
Shower off pests and dust a few times while they are still outside and once again just before bringing them in. Clean debris from the soil level and wipe off the outside of the pot. Inspect your plants for insects. Check the undersides of leaves and where the leaf meets the stem. Insects spread quickly indoors. I spray with insecticidal soap before they have a chosen spot in the house. Make sure to read the label of any pesticide product. Some plants are sensitive to some products.
Don’t forget to make room for your new friends before carrying them in! It is best to give your plants a sunny spot in the house to help them acclimate. After a couple weeks, move them to their permanent location. This minimizes leaf drop and yellowing. Make sure to keep your plants away from heating vents and cool drafts. Indoors tends to be dry especially in the winter. Tropicals thrive on humidity. A shower for your plants a couple of times this winter will do wonders!
Water your plants deeply, but infrequently. Late fall and winter are not the growing season and most plants rest during this time. There is no need to fertilize until next spring. Until then enjoy the tropical feeling while cabin fever sets in!
-Provided by Jodi Dawson of Oakland Columbus
