Renew houseplants with a summer outdoors
Grown under the marginal conditions of most homes and apartments, houseplants can become tired-looking during the winter months. You can renew your plants by moving them outdoors during the summer.
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Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June).
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Acclimate plants to increased light by placing them in a shady area outdoors. Slowly introduce indoor plants that like sun into a sunnier location over a period of two weeks.
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Fertilize and water your indoor plants outdoors more often than when they are indoors because of increased photosynthesis and growth.
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Move plants back as night temperatures begin to drop below 60°F (usually mid September).
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Before moving plants back indoors check thoroughly for insects. Populations of common plants pest such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects are kept in check outdoors by predators and parasitoids (beneficial insects). To prevent an indoor infestation treat your plants before you bring them in with a labeled insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.