LADYBUG SAYS... HOUSE PLANTS BENEFIT FROM THE OUT OF DOORS

A summer out of doors is a real benefit to most house plants. Nearly all of them like the bright light, fresh air and natural rainfall they can receive in the shade of trees, on patios or a shaded porch.

There are almost no house plants that like full sun. Most of them need protection from strong winds, beating rains, and are not suited to growing in an open garden border. Also, the watering schedule for outside plants differs from those left inside. Strong winds and hot dry weather mean more frequent watering. Rainy spells, when the humidity is high, means less frequent waterings. Haven't we been lucky this summer.

Having been in Memphis last week, where the crape myrtle are at their peak in their luscious colors of lavender, pink, red and white, we noted the commentator on the local news stated it was the most pleasant summer weather in Memphis in 33 years.

Back to house plants. After spending the summer outside in their summer environment, many plants need either to be transplanted into larger pots or repotted into new soil before they are carried into the house for winter.

Whether one transplants or repots, the old soil should be worked off the root ball and replaced with new. Under more ideal growing conditions outside, the plants have grown larger and the roots need more room and perhaps some pruning. There is a good chance that while outside the soil may have picked up some undesirable insects that would not be welcomed inside when the plants are returned.

While outdoors, wash plants with a fairly strong stream of water from the hose to remove dust and small pests that may be present, such as spider mites.

In addition to spider mites, two other major house plant pests are mealy bugs and scale. These two pests are difficult to kill because they are protected by a waxy covering that protects them from sprays. There are commercial sprays on the market that work when directions are followed.

Be careful when cleaning plants that outdoor pests are not carried inside. Sow bugs will be quick to move into the posts and snails and slugs can also move into the holes of flower pots.

Some of the plants will need transplanting or repotting. About an hour before you plan to start the process, water the plants thoroughly. This gives the plant time to take up as much water as it needs and helps keep it from wilting during the process. It also helps to soften the soil.

If you are potting back into the same pot the plant grew in, you will need a small stiff brush. This is to clean the pot. Some bleach or vinegar in the water will remove the crust of salts that accumulate on the outside of the pots.

Remove the plant from the pot and lay it on its side, then with a hose wash all the soil off the roots. Trim off broken roots or any that have grown through the bottom drain hole.

The plant should be planted into the new soil medium immediately, before the roots are allowed to dry out. You may wish to put some broken clay pot pieces or charcoal in the bottom of the pot.

Plants, as well as roots, may need to be pruned. Some of the plants here have already had their fall haircuts, getting them ready for their winter inside.

After the plant has been watered well and allowed to settle, it may need more medium to get to the proper level around the plant. When the transplanting is complete, keep it in a shady area until time for it to be inside.

On the moving day (and this will not be until mid-September or later depending on how cool the nights become) the plants should be fed with a good soluble plant food. However, about a week after the plant has been repotted, it would be well to feed it with a half strength solution of plant food and spray with a good insecticide.

Plants in hanging baskets outdoors may be having a midsummer sag. They also may need a little special attention, since these plants have limited soil and must be supplied with proper moisture and nutrients at all times.

Mostly they may need pruning and shaping. From these one can take cuttings of begonias and impatiens. Both of these plants root readily in water.

This time spent tidying house plants and hanging containers will be most profitable later when they come into our homes for the long, cold winter ahead.