KJFM NEWS — Garden Talk is produced monthly at the Adair County University of Missouri Extension Center in Kirksville, Mo.

The days and nights are getting cooler, and soon it will be time to move houseplants indoors. Bring houseplants inside before the nighttime temperature drops to 50 degrees. Before doing that, inspect plants for insects and spiders. Treat the plants for unwanted insects like aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites and scale if needed. Use a water hose and spray off plants if necessary, let dry, and then use an insecticidal soap to get rid of unwanted pests that may still be trying to hitch a ride inside. Keep a close watch for on these plants for several weeks to ensure they are free from insects. Sometimes these pests can show up weeks or even a couple of months after plants have been moved indoors.

Houseplants may go through a period of adjustment to lower light levels.  If they are getting sufficient water but dropping leaves, they may not be getting enough light.  If that’s the case, try relocating them to a brighter location.

With the arrival of cooler weather, make sure the air in your home is sufficiently humid to keep houseplants healthy and happy.  A pebble tray beneath the plants is a good way to raise the humidity. Do not over water plants. Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant, and should not be overwatered, which is the number one cause of death of that plant among homeowners.