6 reasons to buy tropical plants in Fall

1) Easy planting. No sweat. Enjoy your gardening fun during cooler weather!

2) Easy shipping. With cooler weather, there are less chances for the mail order plants to get overheated in transit or at your doorstep in case you miss the delivery. But don't wait too long, another few weeks and too much cold will put another restriction for deliveries up North.

3) Easy establishing. Stress-free roots = stress-free plants = happy gardeners. Cooler weather is always better for planting and quick establishing.

4) Easy maintenance. Plant growth rate slows down during cool period, so your garden maintenance will be minimal.

5) Winter bloomers will brighten your days! Look at these winter-flowering plants that create a spectacular show during Fall-Winter in subtropical climates. If you grow them as houseplants, this is your chance to have flowers in Winter!

6) House plants Many tropical species suitable for indoor cultivation are available year round, but when you buy them in Fall - they are in their fullest and best shape after Summer vigorous growth.

One the photo: Barleria cristata Striped Lavender Lace.

Checklist - Preparing for winter in subtropical areas

Watering. Start reducing the amount you water your plants in early fall, once the temperature drops below 65F. Avoid watering your plants during cool nights, as this may cause serious root rot.

Mulch. When a plant is protected by a thick layer of mulch, the root system stays healthy.

No Pruning. Avoid pruning, trimming, or pinching branch tips altogether during the fall and winter which encourages new shoots that are soft, tender, and very cold sensitive. Last trimming should be done no later than September - early October.

No Fertilizer. Avoid fertilizers during the winter. The main reason being the same as above for pruning: fertilizing promotes growth of the upper plant parts which should be avoided during the winter months. The last time for fertilizer should be no later than October.

Q: Winter is coming and I still have a few plants I want to plant in the ground. Should I keep them in pots and wait till spring?

A: In subtropical areas, if temperatures don't drop below freezing, you can continue planting in the ground. In fact winter planting has some unique advantages - less heat stress on a plant and root system, mild environment - help the plant to establish better. Besides, no-sweat garden work is much more enjoyable, and you can get done a lot!

To learn more about winter planting, see article Tropical Planting Breaks the Rules by Murray Corman (Garden Of Delights).

Winter coming tips

As the weather gets cooler, many of you move your potted tropical plants indoors.

Please remember:
1. Leaf drop. Lower air humidity, lower light and short day may cause some leaf drop. This is normal for seasonal environment change. Learn more about leaf drop and deciduous plants from this info sheet (PDF).
2. Reduce watering as winter coming. Under lower light and in cooler temperature, plants won't need much water; some plants go dormant and only need minimum water. Excess water may damage roots and kill a plant in winter.
3. No fertilizer in winter. Active growth stops. Let the plant go into dormancy or simply have a rest.
4. Insects. Watch for insects by inspecting leaves regularly. They may attack plants more likely in the indoor conditions.

STAY WARM!

How much water?

Q: I have purchased many tropical plants from you throughout the summer and now I need to think about how not to kill them overwintering in my NY apartment. I was told that overwatering can be a big problem for house plants in winter. How much should I water, and how many times per week?

A: Overwatering in the number one cause of the houseplant death. But be sure not to underwater, either.
- Don't water on the fixed schedule, get to know your plant's needs instead. Most plants only need watering when the top 1/2"of potting mix is try. gently poke your finger into the soil to test it. Some experience gardeners go by weight of the pot - a very light pot will have a dry mix.
- Aim to make the potting mix moist, but not wet. Most plants hate sitting in soggy potting mix, so always let excess water drain away.
- Potting mix in terra cotta pots dries out more quickly than that in plastic or ceramic pots, because terra cotta is a porous material.
- Most plants need less water in winter because they are not actively growing and need this period of winter rest. However some plants are winter bloomers and they may need regular watering providing bright light to produce flowers, for example clerodendrums.