I love to “vacation” my houseplants outside during summer. Nothing compares to fresh rainwater, humid air, and bright skies to stimulate new growth. Indoor plants thrive outside, but they’re also vulnerable to bugs and temperature shifts. If you’ve got houseplants on a porch or balcony, remember that fall weather can turn on a dime. Don’t wait for the first blast of cold air to rush your plants in. The transition is important. Here’s what you need to do before you bring your houseplants back inside. 

Dust The Leaves

You can’t be too much of a perfectionist about this. Before you bring your houseplants back inside, dust the leaves thoroughly. Wipe the front and undersides of each leaf. I know it’s time consuming, but so is a bug infestation, and you’re better off preventing it than dealing with it. Dirty, dusty plants camouflage bugs. Outdoor plants get SO much dirtier than indoor plants, so make sure to wipe leaves clean. 

Treat For Bugs 

Plant pests like mealybugs and spider mites would love to hitch a ride on your houseplants to set up shop in your warm home. Make sure to treat each plant as if it already has bugs, because it probably does. Inspect every leaf up close. Check small crevices where stems meet vines. Use a gentle bug spray or horticulture oil and repeat in a week just to be sure. I go a step further and replace the top layer of soil. This is where bugs lay eggs, so if you remove and refresh this layer, you decrease the risk of bringing larvae in with your plants (eeew!).

Adjust Your Watering Schedule 

Picture the vastness of the entire sky, and compare it to the small amount of light coming through a window in your home. When you bring your plants back inside you decrease overhead light volume a ton, even if your plants were in the shade. With less light, photosynthesis slows down, so your plants won’t need as much water. Adjust your watering schedule to prevent fungus gnats and root rot. 

It’s always a little risky to bring a houseplant outside, but I think it’s worth it for the new leaves and bright colors. Transition them carefully, and your houseplants will be safe.