The Return of Plants Indoors

Were your plants outside this summer? Then this article is for you! I’m Serena, the pest wrestler, and here are my tips for a successful return to indoor planting.

Personally, I love putting my plants outside in the summer. Not only do they grow faster in the sun, but I don’t have to worry about getting water everywhere when I water them. I don’t hold back on putting them outside!

Insects are not a problem when you know how to deal with them. Here are 5 important questions and answers about bringing plants indoors in the fall.

1. Is It Absolutely Necessary to Do Something When We Bring Our Plants Indoors?

The answer is no! Obviously, we are not obligated to do anything, but it can save us a lot of trouble if we prepare properly.

Doing nothing means risking complications. Even when everything looks fine in the fall, it is often much later that we realize there is a problem. By then, it’s too late and the problem has grown.

We often mistakenly blame the lack of sunlight and the cold winter weather, when in reality it’s unwanted insects that have taken up residence…

Let’s not wait for our plants to die in the middle of the cold season—let’s take preventive action!

2. What Should You Use to Clean Your Plants?

With the ban on pesticides becoming more and more widespread, the issue becomes more complex. What we used to use out of habit may now be prohibited.

Why banned? Because the effect was much broader than just on your plant. These banned products also affected other insects, fish, and even animals (like us). Whether applied outdoors before bringing plants indoors or in the bathroom, the harmful effects remain.

So, what can we use to clean our plants that is both legal and healthy?

Simply soap and water!

Don’t skimp on the pressure (as long as the plant can handle it) and pay special attention to the underside of the leaves (that’s where insects often hide). They don’t have long claws like kittens, so they can’t cling on tightly if you spray them hard. This is an excellent way to get rid of them.

For those that resist, soap is a good contact insecticide that leaves no residual effect. When the insect is covered with it, it suffocates. Once the soap is dry, it is no longer effective. Insecticidal soap and black soap are excellent. You can also use horticultural oil (or dormancy oil).

The idea is that the insect gets caught in the product and suffocates, so don’t hesitate to spray until it drips. 

Give the plant a good shower with a mild product and repeat the operation if necessary. If the plant shows obvious signs of infestation, do this several times at 4-5 day intervals before bringing it inside with the others.

3. Should You Repot Your Plants When You Bring Them Indoors?

If it’s to combat harmful insects, it’s not necessary. It stresses the plants that are preparing to go dormant for the winter. Leave them alone, they’ll be stronger and more resistant to infestations.

To drown bugs, earthworms, etc., that may be hiding in the pot, soak it for 1 hour in a bucket of clean water. Be careful not to leave them there too long, or the roots may suffocate. 

Bonus: you’ll be bringing in well-watered plants that won’t leak everywhere the next time you water them (if you don’t wait too long).

If your plants were placed directly on the ground, this is even more important. Intruders can easily take up residence there to feed on the roots or decomposing soil.

You will notice them when you see piles of molded soil coming out of the holes in your pots… In this case, get out your kettle and bathe your plants.

To protect your soil from thrips and fungus gnats (soil flies), you can introduce small, friendly soil mites called Stratiolaelaps. They live in the soil of your plants and protect it.

What Are the Best Natural Predators for Prevention?

To protect our plants, we can ask for help from microscopic friends. Natural predators hunt intruders before they can reproduce. They are very useful and easy to use. 

Predatory mites are ideal for protecting your plants. They are our best allies. Don’t worry, they are very different from the mites found in beds and do not cause allergies.

Here are three very interesting species for preventing pests in our houseplants:

Stratiolaelaps to Protect the Soil

These tiny soil mites settle in the soil and stand guard. They eat fly larvae and eggs, thrips pupae, and, in the absence of prey, algae and debris. Sprinkle one teaspoon per plant and you’re done.

Cucumbers Sachets

Neoseiulus cucumeris are excellent against native thrips, which are found naturally outdoors in Canada. Effective and inexpensive, simply hang one bag per plant and the thrips had better watch out.

The “Swirskiing” of Protection

Swirskii are similar in appearance to cucumeris, but they are more versatile. They protect leaves against thrips (exotic and native), whiteflies, and spider mites. They are excellent for more comprehensive protection.

Prevention is always easier than cure! Hang up the bags and replace them every 4-6 weeks, or sprinkle the stratios on the soil, and you’re done.

How Do You Know When You Have a Problem?

The sooner you discover the problem, the sooner you can take action and limit the damage. 

If you see deformed leaves, stunted growth, feeding marks on leaves, or even insects moving around, it’s already too late—the insects have been there for a long time and have multiplied.

Don’t wait until the damage is obvious before you notice it! Check often and thoroughly!

To detect as effectively as possible, equip yourself properly:

• Sticky traps capture flying adults (flies, thrips, whiteflies). I prefer yellow ones to blue ones because the contrast makes them easier to see.
• Since we are looking for tiny insects, using a magnifying glass is not a luxury. It allows you to really see what is happening on the leaves before you see any damage.

Effective and early screening can prevent a lot of problems!

In summary, it is possible to avoid problems with unwanted insects when bringing your plants indoors by taking preventive action. Clean your plants, soak their pots, introduce natural predators, and monitor them regularly.