Make safe transitions from outside to inside

KEVIN MCCLINTOCK GateHouse Plus

Nothing makes a home feel more welcoming than neatly displayed and trimmed houseplants.

For some homeowners, plants are like sons and daughters to them - an important family member. They are fed, watered and cooed on a daily basis. More importantly, they live much longer than the more traditional cat or dog.

But moving plants indoors during the winter months requires special attention.

A good gauge to use when this should happen is the outside temperature. It's a good idea to move your houseplants inside when outside and inside temperatures are about the same. Plants need to readjust to life indoors before the heat is turned

up as the winter months arrive.

rid of the so-called "plant pests" - either in the potting soil or on the plants themselves. This is especially important for those plants that have been sitting on the ground. So initiate a careful examination of the plant. Wash the leaves and stems with a hose, and allow them to dry.

allow them to dry.

Then spray the entire plant, soil and even pot with insecticidal soap. This soap is safe for people and pets. Leave plants outside for several days.

Reapply a second coat of insecticidal soap before moving them inside for a perch near the living room window.

Also, you might want to acclimate the plant to the reduced levels of light that a roofed house provides. So make sure the light conditions are as close as possible to those seen outdoors. Once inside, the plant may develop leaf yellowing or drop as it adjusts to lower light.

It's also a good idea to clean windows where plants will be located to ensure the plants get the brightest light possible. Highest light intensities are generally found in south facing windows not blocked by awnings or outdoor vegetation.

Even under the best of indoor conditions, plants will likely need less water and fertilizer than they received outdoors so reduce these accordingly.