DENVER — If you brought plants inside this fall--and I hope you did--here's how to keep them healthy.
The first thing is to realize that their conditions have changed. The days are shorter and the light is much less intense. The sunlight that comes through windows is even less intense.
Given their new circumstances, your plants may announce their displeasure by dropping leaves, growing less vigorously, and blooming less. That's perfectly fine. Don't overreact by pouring on more water. That could drown them. They don't have to look great; they just have to survive.
Don't freak out about bugs that may have hitched a ride when you brought plants inside. Most can be controlled or eliminated with a soap spray. Make sure to spray the undersides of leaves where pests such as aphids and whiteflies congregate.
It's also fine to use a systemic insecticide. This type of insecticide is generally sprinkled on the soil and watered in. The roots take it up and it becomes distributed throughout the stems and leaves. This will kill insects that chew or suck the sap. We never should use this on outdoor plants while they are outside because it can kill bees and butterflies. But there aren't any bees and butterflies in your house so there's no problem there. Effectiveness wanes after several months and before the plants go back outside.
Throughout the winter you'll want to pinch and groom plants as needed. This will help keep them bushy and it will keep your green thumb from getting rusty.
More Proctor's Garden:
- Here are the plants you should be saving before the first frost
- Fall is for planting
- Try this to keep summer herbs fresh into winter
- Add color to your fall garden
- Gradual sun exposure can help your garden thrive
- These plants can flower 365 days a year if cared for properly
- How to save water and have a beautiful garden
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEO: Proctor's Garden
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.