From our perspective, the shortening days and cooling temperatures of autumn signal a time of great change. We, the Lobelia plants, must prepare for our journey indoors. Please understand, this is not an instantaneous process; it is a shock to our systems. About a week or two before the first expected frost, we would appreciate being moved to a shadier, more sheltered location outdoors. This allows us to gradually acclimate to the lower light levels we will experience inside your home. A sudden move from bright sun to a dim room is stressful and can cause us to drop our flowers and leaves in protest.
Before we cross the threshold, a thorough examination is crucial. Please look over our foliage and stems carefully for any stowaways—aphids, spider mites, or signs of fungal disease. An infestation brought indoors can spread rapidly to your other plant companions and weaken us significantly. If you find any, a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil treatment is advisable. Next, we require a haircut. Please prune us back by about one-half to two-thirds of our height. This might seem drastic, but it serves multiple purposes: it reduces the leaf surface area through which we lose precious moisture, encourages a bushier growth habit for the spring, and makes us more manageable and less leggy in our indoor space.
Our happiness indoors is entirely dependent on the environment you provide. We crave bright, indirect light. A south or east-facing window is ideal, as direct hot sun through glass can scorch our tender leaves. We are accustomed to cooler temperatures; a room that stays between 50-70°F (10-21°C) is perfect. Avoid placing us directly next to heat vents, radiators, or cold drafts from doors and windows, as these extreme fluctuations cause us stress. Humidity is another key factor. Indoor winter air is often very dry, which we find challenging. A pebble tray with water placed beneath our pot (ensuring the pot is not sitting *in* the water) or a occasional light misting can help create a more comfortable microclimate for us.
During the winter, we enter a period of semi-dormancy or greatly reduced growth. Our needs are minimal. Please water us significantly less than you did during the active growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings. We are highly susceptible to root rot in cold, wet soil, so it is far better to err on the side of underwatering. We do not require any fertilizer during this rest period. Feeding us now would only encourage weak, spindly growth that struggles in the low light conditions. Our goal is simply to conserve energy and survive, not to flourish.
As the days begin to lengthen noticeably in late winter, you will see signs of new life from us—fresh, green growth emerging from our stems. This is our signal that we are ready to begin our journey back to the outside world. About a month before the last frost date, you can start to prepare us. Begin to water us a bit more regularly and apply a half-strength dose of balanced liquid fertilizer to support this new growth. When the danger of frost has passed, we must again be gradually acclimated to the outdoors over a period of 7-10 days, starting in a shaded, sheltered spot before finally returning to our summer home in the garden or containers.
