While I am celebrating the arrival of real fall weather I also have to realize some plants don't like the cold. For many this means the end of the warm season good growing conditions and a time to go dormant. My hidden gingers, peacock gingers, amorphophallus and achimenes are already showing signs of decline by starting to die back to the ground. It is only going to be a matter of a few weeks before their summer growth is going to be a memory. But don't worry they will be back come spring.
Other plants continue on as long as the days stay above 45 degrees or so. I am thinking mainly of the foliage plants that do not like a chill that have been living outdoors. Some include the pothos (pictured), dieffenbachia and aglaonema. Even the weeping fig and many dracaenas do not like it real cold and can drop or yellow their leaves. So, if you want to keep these plants going it's time to find them a warmer spot for when the really cold weather arrives.
If the plants are coming inside here are some tips.
- Flush out the bugs and animals from the pots by soaking the root ball and container in a tub of water for about 5 minutes. The pests and critters should run to the surface.
- Do any needed trimming to reshape the plants but avoid major foliage and limb removal.
- Reduce feedings to every other month and only if needed. Many plants can survive indoors with little or no feedings.
- Check water needs frequently but only moisten when the surface soil feels dry to the touch - then give the plant a good soaking.
- Check frequently for foliage and stem pests. Some are going to come indoors with you and they will multiply.
Indoor conditions often favor the pests more than the plants, Control with soap washes or insecticidal soap sprays.
Try to find a great spot indoors or a in a warm spot outdoors for the cold sensitive foliage. Most should survive just fine and be ready for the trip back out into the landscape when the warm season weather arrives come spring.
