Making Room for the Plants Before Cold Weather

I’ve been bringing in the houseplants that spent the summer on my porch, and finding space for them has become a project of its own. Along the way, I’ve repotted plants that need attention and trimmed overgrown vining houseplants.

This year, I noticed that the soil in some pots was not drying out quickly enough after watering. Some of my alocasia and philodendrons needed a different mix right away.
Orchid Bark potting mix helps keep the soil open, and pumice adds space for air and drainage. Worm castings provide nutrients, but they are a small addition.

Not every plant needs repotting before winter. If yours is growing well and the soil is drying appropriately between waterings, it may be fine where it is. For those staying wet for weeks after watering, check the soil, roots, and pot size. An oversized pot can hold more moisture than the plant can use.

I have also found some great plant stands on Amazon to make the best use of the space in front of my windows. Using different levels makes room for more plants without spreading pots across every available surface. When arranging them, leave enough space so larger plants do not block the light from smaller ones.

Before bringing plants inside, check underneath leaves, along stems, and around drainage holes for insects. Remove dead leaves and clean the pots. You want to bring in the plants without bringing in everything that has been living outside with them.

Then there are the vines. I have been trimming my Pothos to make them more manageable indoors. Healthy cuttings with a node can be rooted in water to make another plant. Making more plants probably explains why I needed the plant stands.

Once everything is indoors, watering needs may change. Less light and slower growth can mean soil stays damp longer. Check the soil before watering instead of following the same summer schedule.

With a little rearranging—and a few plant stands—I am making room for a bit of the summer porch to stay with me all winter.

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