Beware over or underwatering your plants!
By Sharon Dent
I have lots of houseplants and I usually take them outside from May through September. I have historically lost some each winter. Sad. They seem to go into shock upon coming inside.
I am currently worried about three plants: a Boston fern, a fiddle-leaf fig, and a fan palm. I bought them in early 2019 and they have thrived until now having lived outside for two summers. I brought them inside in early November and they have not adjusted well.
Leaves are looking puny, turning brown and some leaves have started dropping. It is drier inside from the artificial heat. I have watered them frequently hoping that they would perk up, but they have not responded to it. I decided to do a little more research on the subject. Various people who purport to be “plant whisperers,” say that plants need less water when they come inside the house. Because of less light, they go dormant, produce less growth, and generally take a rest until early spring.
I think I have been overwatering! Oops. I know to avoid placing them close to doors or drafty windows as they do not like blasts of cold air. So that is not their problem. I am pretty certain that water is the problem—too much of it. In the past, sometimes I have fertilized my houseplants in early winter. Now I understand this was a bad move and will wait until early March.
I hope this helps you. I know this research is helping me. I have cut back on the water, and this spring plan to re-pot the plants that are rootbound and fertilize all of them.
Master Gardener Sharon Dent, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, 501-623-6841 or adykes@uaex.edu.
