Bringing houseplants indoors before cold weather sounds simple enough: pick up the pot, carry it inside, and find a sunny window. But before that planter crosses the threshold, flip it over and inspect an area that’s easy to forget—the plant drainage holes. Months outdoors can leave pots harboring insects, roots, debris, and other surprises around their bases, while clogged or inadequate drainage can become a much bigger problem once plants are living indoors. The University of Minnesota recommends inspecting returning houseplants for insects and disease because fungus gnats, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and even ordinary spiders can hitch a ride inside. Five minutes of inspection now could prevent weeks of chasing pests around your windowsills this winter.
