Houseplants that have spent the summer months outdoors should be acclimated to less sunlight before being taken inside for the winter. 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 when they are brought into the house.

Before bringing plants inside, soak the roots and container in some water to force insects that might be living in the container out. Ants, pillbugs (aka roly-poly bugs), 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 keep their numbers down, but once inside, their numbers will explode and you will notice the damage.