It may seem a little early to start thinking about moving houseplants into the house with the temperature outside being so warm still, but plants need time to adjust to the new living conditions that they will find inside the house. Start by gradually moving them into more and more shade to help them adjust to the lower light intensity they will experience inside the house.

Our first frost for the winter may not be until sometime in November, but many houseplants may be damaged by temperatures in the 40’s. This means that as the temperature begins to cool later in October, it’s time to consider bringing the plants into the house where they are less likely to be damaged by the colder weather.

Before bringing them in, check the leaves and stems really well for any signs of insects that might overrun the plants when they are moved into the house where they won’t be exposed to other insects that feed on aphids, scales and mites. If you see any signs of these insects treat the plant with an insecticide or wash them off really well before bringing them into the house.