You’ve enjoyed those container plants on your deck or porch all summer, and now it’s time to think about bringing them in as fall and cooler weather approaches.
But N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent Michael Ellington has a short checklist before you hall in those hibiscus or bring in those Boston ferns for the winter.
When nighttime temps begin dipping into the 50s, those tropical plants can get a little stressed, said the agent in charge of horticulture and field crops for Vance County. Those cooler temperatures also signal the plants that growing season is over and it’s time to rest for a bit.
Ellington offers a few quick reminders before you grab them and drag them all inside.
First, give them a thorough rinse with the hose attachment nozzle set to the shower setting. Check underneath leaves and where the leaves meet the stems to get rid of any insects that may be hanging out.
Second, wipe down the outside of the pot and flush the soil with water to take care of any soil-dwelling pests.
If you do notice insects, use an insecticidal soap or oil and then place the plants in a shady spot until they’re completely dry.
When you do bring in the containers from outside, consider grouping the plants together – and away from your indoor houseplants – for a couple of weeks, just in case some critters did manage to hitchhike in.
Some plants can be forced into dormancy and then the tubers can be removed from the soil and kept in a cool, dark spot. An unheated attached garage or crawlspace may be a good spot for them to spend the winter months.
They’ll need a minimal amount of water, but no light.
If you’re planning on keeping the plants over the winter, remember that they don’t need fertilizer in their resting periods, and they should be kept away from heat vents or drafty areas.
By the time spring rolls around, your plants likely will be ready for warmer weather.
Questions? Contact Ellington at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office at 252.438.8188 or visit www.vance.ces.ncsu.edu/
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