Winter is around the corner which means, it’s time to start moving some plants back indoors! The key to a smooth transition lies in knowing the right time to bring them inside and how to do it without inviting bugs. Let’s break it down step-by-step!
Aphids, mealybugs, and other types of houseplant pests aren’t normally a problem outside. But they can quickly turn into a major infestation during the winter if they come inside on your houseplants.
Important Note! Bring Your Plants In When The Temperature Drops
Knowing WHEN to start this process is key. You should start moving your plants inside during late summer or early fall, before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 60°F (15.5°C). Exposing tender houseplants to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage.
A good rule of thumb is to bring them in at least two weeks before your area’s average first frost date. For example, in zone 4, that’s September 20th, around the end of summer. Waiting too long could shock your plants which can cause their leaves to drop, go dormant, or even die if frost hits unexpectedly.
Amy’s Tip #1! 👩🏼🌾
Moving all your houseplants inside at once can be overwhelming, both for you and the plants. Instead, bring them in gradually over a few weeks. This way, you can manage the workload, and the plants can adjust more easily.
🪴 9 Steps To Debugging Your Plants
Debugging plants might sound complicated, but it’s actually straightforward. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Supplies You’ll Need:
Steps:
- Fill the Tub with Soapy Water: Fill your large utility tub with tepid water, and your wash bucket with warm water. Add a few squirts of a mild liquid soap to each as you’re filling them. (Avoid soaps with degreasers or detergents, as they can harm plants.)
- Soak the Plants: Submerge each plant—pot and all—in the soapy water for 15-20 minutes. The soap kills bugs on the plant and in the soil. Weigh down any floating pots with bricks or rocks.
- Clean Any Exposed Leaves: Clean the leaves that aren’t submerged – If any of the leaves aren’t completely covered by the water, use an organic insecticidal soap to clean them. Or you can use my recipe, which is 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water in a spray bottle.
- Remove Debris: Skim any dead leaves, bugs, or debris from the water using a kitchen strainer before pulling out the plants.
- Scrub the Pots: After soaking, scrub each pot clean with a brush.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use a hose to rinse the plants and pots to remove any remaining soap and debris.
- Drain the Water: Allow the excess water to drain completely from the pots before bringing the plants indoors.
- Repeat as Needed: Continue the process until all your plants are debugged. Top off the water in the tub as needed and remove debris between batches.
- Move Plants Indoors: Once drained, bring your clean plants back inside and let the soil dry out before watering again.
Amy’s Tip #2! 👩🏼🌾
If any of your plants are root-bound, repot them after debugging, before bringing them indoors. This keeps the mess outside and gives the plants room to grow.
3 To-Do’s AFTER Bringing Outdoor Plants Inside
- Increase Humidity: Many houseplants thrive in higher humidity. Use a portable humidifier indoors to maintain a humidity level around 50%, mimicking the plant’s outdoor environment.
- Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye out for pests after moving your plants inside. Early detection makes it easier to manage any outbreaks.
- Quarantine New Plants: If you’re bringing in new plants from outside or from a store, keep them isolated from your other houseplants for a few weeks to prevent spreading any hidden pests.
Benefits of Soaking Your Plants in Soapy Water
- Soaking gives your plants a thorough watering, so you don’t need to worry about it right away after bringing them inside.
- The process removes dead leaves and debris, leaving your plants looking fresh and clean.
- Your pots and plants will be sparkling clean, adding to the satisfaction of having healthy indoor plants.
Related Post: Fall Houseplant Care Guide
Amy’s Tip #3! 👩🏼🌾
For large plants that are difficult to submerge, use a modified approach: Once clean, spray the entire plant with neem oil to deter pests (test a small area first to check for sensitivity). Wash the leaves and stems with soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Debugging FAQs
What do I spray on plants before bringing them indoors?
You can spray your plants with a neem oil solution, or use an organic insecticidal soap to clean the leaves. I highly recommend testing any type of spray on a few leaves before treating the whole plant to make sure it won’t cause any damage.
Will your debugging method kill bugs and eggs in houseplant soil?
Yes, using my method to soak your plants in soapy water should kill any bugs or eggs that are living in the soil too. Sometimes there can be air pockets in the soil where they can survive though. So if you’re concerned, then soak them a little longer. Also, gently tap the pot after it has finished bubbling to try to release any trapped air.
How do you debug plants that are in pots without drainage holes?
To debug plants that are in pots without drainage holes you can wash the leaves with soapy water or insecticidal soap and rinse them off well after. Then spray the leaves with neem oil.
My method of soaking houseplants in soapy water works great for most types of plants, and will help to make sure you bring your outdoor plants inside without bugs. Trust me, starting the long winter off with clean and insect-free houseplants will make your life SO MUCH easier.
If you’re looking for more help for how to keep bugs off plants, my Houseplant Pest Control eBook is an essential guide to help you debug your houseplants for good. Download your copy today!
More Posts About Houseplant Pest Control
- Where Do Houseplant Pests Come From?
- How To Use Neem Oil Insecticide On Plants
- How To Get Rid Of Bugs On Your Houseplants
- Fungus Gnats vs Fruit Flies: What’s The Difference?
- How To Keep Cats Out Of Houseplants
How do you debug plants before bringing them in for the winter? Share your tips in the comments section below.
Elaine says
I’m growing a jasmine plant indoors. Should I spray routinely with neem or Dr Bronner’s to prevent mealybugs from coming? Thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the plant has had bug problems while indoors in the past, then yes, you could treat it to keep them from coming back. However, I would use neem oil rather than just the soapy spray. That way, you’ll only have to spray every other week or so, and it has a residual effect. Here’s more details about how to use neem oil, and also my detailed article about how to get rid of (and prevent) mealybugs. Good luck!
Lynette says
Thanks for the great information! Wish I’d known about this some years ago when I had a Boston Fern outside on patio. Brought it back inside to hang in bathroom over tub. When taking my shower, I was joined by newly hatching baby grasshoppers. Yikes!
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, too funny! Yes, it’s always a good idea to debug plants before bringing them back inside.
Angela Clarke says
Hi! I really enjoyed your informative article, but I was wondering what you do about acclimating your plants before bringing them in? My understanding is that you should transition plants over the course of a week or so, by gradually keeping them in for a few more hours each day. How does this work with the debugging process? Should you acclimate first, then debug (but doesn’t that run the risk of bringing the bugs inside) or debug & then acclimate (but that increases the chance that you’ll pick up new bugs?). Feeling a bit confused….. thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You don’t need to acclimate them when bringing them back inside. That’s only when you bring them outside in the spring. I bring my houseplants back inside right after debugging them in late summer, and that’s where they stay until spring. Here’s an article that is all about fall houseplant care, and it will give you more details about moving them back inside.
Becca says
This is awesome! I’m so excited to be able to do this and save some plants from winter for next spring!! Yay! One question, will this work on succulents if left outside or if indoors but has gnats coming off it when touched/watered? Thanks!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, this method of debugging plants will kill bugs on the leaves and in the soil. However, if your succulents have gnats, then that means they are being overwatered, and are at risk for rotting. I definitely recommend letting the soil dry completely before watering, and that will get rid of the gnats. Here’s more info about them… How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats In Houseplants Soil.
Andrea says
Awesome article! Growing up my mom always brought in the plants during the mid west winters. Let’s just say I still have nightmares about the spiders that came in with them! It was always AFTER she started bringing them in. She always had a LOT of plants. Not just small ones, larger ones, etc. Bigger the plant, the bigger the spider. While I’m no longer the arachnophobicc adolescent that runs screaming out of the room when a spider wants to watch tv with me. I still don’t want to keep company with spiders that have leg spans big enough to shoot a game of croquet under. Or any size spider or insect, winged, long legged, etc. I’m proud to say I’ve passed the phase “off with their heads”. lol (mostly)
THAT is the MAIN reason I never let my green thumb flourish once I got my own house and space to have plants. I didn’t want the spiders and other bugs. But I can’t ignore my passion for plants any longer. This article just helped me so much. I had no idea that the buggies and spiders could be stopped. PHEW! I embraced Neem oil last year with my first tomatoes ever and was impressed. Slowly I’m embracing my inner green thumb. I will no longer be afraid to bring home or cultivate house plants. Thank you so much. I think I would practice this method before bringing any plant inside, direct from nursery, store, etc.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, great back story! It’s so funny how small things like that can have such in impact on our childhood.
I am happy to hear that this article has helped you so much! You’re very welcome. I’m especially thrilled to hear that, now that you know how to debug your plants before bringing them inside, you’re going to embrace your inner green thumb. LOVE IT!!
Karl says
The mild soap worked wonders on getting rid of a few bugs I saw and bunches more that I am sure I did not. So good to do this with out insecticides!
The brush worked wonders on cleaning up the pots after a 15 or 20 minute soak. Some particularly dirty pots I let soak over night. They accumulated a white coating from the soap. I would have done better to soak them overnight in plain water, then put them back in the soap soak for a few minutes before scrubbing them again.
Amy Andrychowicz says
So glad to hear that this method of cleaning and debugging plants has worked so well for you! I wouldn’t recommend soaking your plants overnight though, that could be a dangerous practice. You could use soap on your brush when you scrub the pots, that should help remove some of that stubborn grime.
Karl says
We didn’t soak the plants more than 15 or 20 minutes, but we did soak several empty pots overnight. Next year we will not soak any more than 15 or 20 minutes in the soap mixture. Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh good, LOL! Check out my instructions for cleaning terracotta pots using vinegar, that removes any crust or residue (you could use that method for any type of pot).
Natalie Wilson says
Great article for debugging. I never knew. Excited to try this. This past May discovered we had a problem with carpet beetles. I assume they came in with last summers plants. I have a small one bedroom town home and they were everywhere. Will this method take care of them also?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. It’s possible the carpet beetles could have come in with your plants, but they don’t usually live in plants. Simply debugging your houseplants probably isn’t going to get rid of them. Once carpet beetles are in your house, they can lay eggs in the carpet, on furniture, in air vents…etc. So, the plants are likely not the source of your problem. But yes, if there are carpet beetles on your houseplants when they are outside, then this method of debugging should kill them.
Natalie Wilson says
Thank you! Once we discovered the carpet beetles we tore apart everything, steam cleaned etc. Hopefully we have control of it. I just want to take care not to bring anything in the fall. Will be trying your method.
Susan Sanders says
I submerged the plants but it floats back up to the top. Advice?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it’s pretty common for lightweight plastic pots to float. I use bricks to weigh them down. Just turn the pot on it’s side, hold it down in the water, and gently place the brick on top of the pot. Sometimes it can be a balancing act, LOL! If I’m debugging several plants, then I will put as many as I can fit into the tub. That way, you can wedge the floaters in with the heavier pots to weigh them down too.
Megan says
Excellent advice! You explained everything very thoroughly and I can’t wait to try this! Also as a side note, I was reading through the questions in the comments and if people would just read your entire post they would have answered most of their own questions lol I do like how you still took the time to repeat yourself and explain it anyways. You have more patience than I do girl! Excellent work, gold star for you ! 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks! Glad you found the post helpful, and I hope this method of debugging your plants works well for you! LOL about the comments. I understand that people are busy, and sometimes don’t have time to read the whole post. 🙂
Jonah says
It seems important to slowly acclimate plants to an indoor setting, as to prevent shock. Many sources suggest moving plants indoors for a few nights while keeping them out during the day.
When during plant acclimation would you suggest we soak/bath our plants?
The way I see it, a bathed plant would have a harder time drying out indoors as compared to outside in the sun, but would also be susceptible to reinfestation if left outside for multiple hours over several days, right?
Perhaps I’m thinking about this wrong. We’re very new to gardening and and any input from you or the community would be greatly appreciated 🙂 Cheers!
Amy Andrychowicz says
No problem! I bring my plants inside right after soaking them, and have never had any problems. Yes, the plants do go into a bit of shock after coming back inside for the winter, but they’ll recover pretty quickly.
Tori says
What about centipedes? Will this work on those too? That’s what I have the most trouble with. And the occasional lizard burrowing into my pots only to jump out at me in early summer when I restart my pots lol! Can I bring in my portulaca? Anyone have luck with that? Also want to bring in my gerbera daisies, lavenders, rosemary, sage, basil, and a miniature rose. Anyone have luck with any of those? Also bringing in my snake plants, crossing fingers!!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, this method will kill any type of bug. Portulaca is an annual plant. You could bring it indoors to enjoy it longer, but it will eventually die. All of the others you listed can be grown indoors over winter.
CP says
I’m sorry if this was already answered, but should I worry that new bugs will inhabit the plants while they’re drying?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It certainly could happen, but I just let my plants sit long enough for the water to drain before brining them inside. So, it’s only maybe 10 minutes or so. You could bring them inside to dry too, if you’re worried about bugs getting back on the plants. Then put them into a sink or the bathtub to allow them to drain.
CP says
Thanks for your quick answer! I have never tried to bring in annuals for the winter before. Once they’re debugged and inside do I just water and feed as usual? What about light? My house doesn’t have a lot of great natural light.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! It totally depends on the type of plant you’re bringing indoors. This article is a great resource, and will give you some general guidance… How To Keep Indoor Plants Alive In Winter.
Cp says
Have you ever tried baby shampoo to clean the plants?
CP
Amy Andrychowicz says
The only type I’ve used is Dr. Bronner’s baby mild liquid soap. Other brands of baby shampoo may work, I just recommend testing it on a few leaves before you dunk the whole plant into the soapy water. Just wash a couple of the leaves with the soap you want to use, and let it sit a few days. If there’s no damage, then it’s safe to use to clean the whole plant. Be sure to test it on all the plants you plan to clean.
Amber says
Hey there, I’m wondering if Ivory liquid dish soap would be considered mild enough for this? Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, I have used it in the past myself. However, I always recommend testing any type of soap on your plants before soaking them in it.
Barb Gardner says
Will this method work on ants in asparagus ferns? I have 2 huge ferns for over 30 yrs. They started out as a little plant, been sawed in half too many times to count ? and so many given away. Problem is the ants:(
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes! Soaking your plant in soapy water will kill the ants. Just be sure to soak it long enough. After placing the pot in the water, wait until all the bubbles have stopped coming out. Then let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
andrea keller says
how can I debug 3 foot tall by four feet wide ferns to bring inside? I could get the pot soaked but how about the hung span of fern leaves?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the tub you’re using is large enough, you can turn the plant on it’s side to submerge the whole thing under water. Otherwise, follow the instructions above under the section titled “Debugging Houseplants That Are Too Large To Soak”.
andrea keller says
These ferns are huge, would a bug bomb do the trick?
Amy Andrychowicz says
A bug bomb would probably kill spiders and other bugs. But keep in mind that bug bombs contain synthetic pesticides, and are not organic. Also, houseplant pests (like mealybugs, scale, whiteflies and aphids) can build up resistance to synthetic pesticides, so a bug bomb may not work to kill them. If I were you, I would spray the plants down really well with the hose, wash the pots really well with soap and water, then spray the plants with soapy water and rinse again. Then keep a close eye on the plants over the next few weeks/months to watch for any signs of plant bugs. Sometimes that’s the best you can do for debugging and cleaning huge plants before bringing them indoors.
Judith says
I use diatomaceous earth on my plants to kill the bugs. Works every time. Cheap no mess no fuss and organic. Not harmful to kids or pets ( unless you have an ant farm lol )
Amy Andrychowicz says
Do you use diatomaceous earth on indoor houseplant bugs like mealybugs, fungus gnats and spider mites?