Bringing plants for the winter

9 years ago

I have about a dozen plants that I leave out spring to fall but have to bring in for the winter. Some large, some small.

I rarely use any insecticide but for these, To prevent an infestation in my house, every fall I have been soaking the plant in dilute malathion for about 5 minuted then letting them drain before bringing them in.

I have had good success with Malathion but wonder if it is the best. Should I leave well enough alone or is there a better way?

I bring in a Pony Tail fern, several Yucca Trees, Shrimp plant (holiday cactus) Gerania, Serius, and probably more that are hiding out there...

In the past, I brought in spider mites and some Geranium eating caterpillar but I figure that there may have been some plants that did not get a bath in the fall.

I might even think about bringing in Impatiens this year.

Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years ago
Not sure if you're saying you soak the soil, or the whole thing, the whole plant?

What infestation do you fear?
dellis326 (Danny)
9 years ago
I just spray my plants with a neem oil solution and let it dry. I've never had a problem.
Related Professionals
Havre de Grace Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Severn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Goodyear Landscape Contractors · Battle Ground Landscape Contractors · Bergenfield Landscape Contractors · Cary Landscape Contractors · Damascus Landscape Contractors · Little Ferry Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Petaluma Landscape Contractors · Plainview Landscape Contractors · Plantation Landscape Contractors · Tewksbury Landscape Contractors · Woodland Landscape Contractors · Mount Sinai Interior Designers & Decorators
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
9 years ago
You bring a plant that has been drenched in malathion INSIDE? That is such a bad idea that I don't know where to begin. Malathion is insidiously toxic.
asleep_in_the_garden
9 years ago
I steer clear of poisons so when the plants came in over the past couple days,I've noticed some slugs and bugs who stowed away on board. I deal with stuff like that on a case by case basis...works for me.

The front room is fluffing up a bit...still needs tweaking though...
asleep_in_the_garden
9 years ago
My philo bip is back in my room again...surrounded by various stuff...which again is subject to change as things settle down a bit...
asleep_in_the_garden
9 years ago
Meanwhile the back corner of my room is a complete mess.
I'm still trying to figure out how better to arrange all this. lol
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
Just to emphasise to rhizo's comment. Malathion has been banned for over 20 years in the European Community as a plant pesticide and is severely restricted for other uses.

Do you have some sort of area where you could quarantine your plants for a while and keep a close eye on them? Something like screened porch? Close observation and simple leaf slooshing with tap water will deal with a lot of things. Another trick is to sit the pot in a bucket of water until the water shows on the surface. All sorts of things will make an escape bid from the potting mix and you can nab them. Then let the pot drain thoroughly. Both the spider mites and the caterpillar you mention would have been spotted during a period in a 'half way house.'

My plants are gradually coming back in. They spend a couple of weeks on the table outside the kitchen door before reentry.
Photo Synthesis
9 years ago
I also use the bucket of water trick for my plants. This works great for getting any stowaways to come up to the surface, where you can deal with them.