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As the
summer comes to an end
and autumn approaches,
the days get shorter and
cooler temperatures signal
the time to ready your
plants for winter. Don’t
wait until frost warnings
occur to bring them inside.
Try to have all of your
plants acclimated to the
new indoor environment
by the end of October.
Avoid the temptation to
move your tropicals back
outside if it suddenly
gets warm, because they
will have to re-acclimate
when you bring them back
inside again. With a little
extra care even exotic
hibiscus can be over-wintered
inside the house.
First,
it’s a good idea
to prune approximately
one-eight to one-fourth
off the total height.
This helps reduce the
shock that the plant receives
with the change of conditions
when bringing them indoors.
Check the plants for signs
of insects and treat them
with insecticidal
soap or pyrethrin spray
as well as a systemic
insecticide that
will provide protection
for up to six weeks. Put
them in a very bright
location that receives
no less than 6 hours of
light per day. If the
winter is very cloudy,
supplement with an artificial
light source. Because
they are tropical plants,
they will need good humidity
which can be achieved
by using a humidity
tray. (Use a
saucer that is at least
3-4 inches larger than
the pot and fill with
1 inch of stones. Pour
water over the stones
until they are half covered.
Place the pot on top of
the stones.) Fertilizer
should be continued throughout
the winter, but at a rate
of once per week. You
will find the plant will
not utilize as much water
in the winter because
its growth has slowed.
Generally, plants should
be watered every 4 to
7 days depending on location,
pot size, soil type and
plant type.
If you
have any questions about
winter care of your plants,
our staff will be glad
to help you.
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