Any houseplants that have spent the summer months outdoors should be acclimated to less sunlight and prepared to be brought inside for the winter. Don’t just move them from full sun to full shade, but move them into more shade each week until they are in mostly shade. This practice will reduce the number of leaves that will turn yellow or drop from the plant when they are brought into the house.

Before bringing plants into the house, soak the roots and container in some water to force any insects that might be living in the container out. Ants, pillbugs (also known as a roly-poly), and fungus gnats are usually repeat offenders. Getting them out of the container before bringing the plant in will reduce infestation problems later.

Also, scout the leaves and stems for mealybugs, aphids and spider mites. These insects might not do a lot of damage outside where natural predators can keep their numbers down, but once they are brought inside, where there are no predators, their numbers will explode and you will notice the damage. If you find them, treat them with insecticidal soap, which is formulated to dry out these soft bodied insects, killing them through dehydration.

Always read and follow label directions for use and safety precautions.

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org