It’s Time to Move Those Houseplants Indoors!
(ROCKLAND/BERGEN) September 26, 2025 – If your houseplants have been enjoying the summer sun on your deck or patio, now is the time to gradually reintroduce them to indoor life. Herbs from your garden or flowering plants from window boxes can also come inside, offering a welcome dash of flavor and color in the coming months. Down to Earth Garden Center offers the following tips to help make the transition smooth and stress-free for your plants.
Transition plants gradually:
Sudden changes in temperature, light, and humidity can stress plants, causing dropping leaves or wilting.
Start by moving plants to a shadier area to get them used to less light.
Clean your windows inside and out to maximize the light they will receive indoors.
A humidifier can help with the adjustment as cooler months bring in the drier air.
Check for bugs before moving plants inside:
Apply a systemic insecticide 10 days prior to the move.
Trim off dead leaves and spent blooms to remove insects or disease that could be lurking.
Hose plants or spray with insecticidal soap to debug greenery.
For extreme infestations, submerge entire plant, pot, and all in a large tub of soapy water, then allow it to drain completely before moving indoors.
Repotting and pruning tips:
Repot into larger containers at least two inches bigger than the original pot if needed.
For plants that have grown leggy, remove them from the container and prune the top and roots in equal proportions.
Scrub the pot, add fresh bagged potting soil, and replant.
Use the right kind of soil for your plants. Remember, use the right kind of soil for your plants like succulents and cactus, African violets and orchids have different soil needs to thrive than regular houseplants.
Choose a good indoor location:
Place plants in a well-lit area away from heating vents or cold drafts.
Avoid overwatering; let the soil surface get dry to the touch before watering again.
Only water succulents when the soil has been dry for several days.
Group plants that require high humidity together on a waterproof tray topped with gravel.
To keep your indoor plants healthy and bug-free throughout the winter, give them a quick shower with lukewarm water every six weeks or so. Then, when spring comes around, they will all be happy to move back outdoors again.
Down to Earth Living, celebrating its 52nd year, Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Rockland County offers 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals coming in every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom has a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. The center is open 9 – 5 every day and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45. Phone number is 845-354-8500. Website is www.dteliving.com for more information.