Growing Plants Indoors In Winter

Kim Smith
by Kim Smith
I have had a lot of my plants (succulents ) inside for the winter season turn brown and seem to die off. I have them in the basement and under lights.
Sedum "Sea Urchin" very close-up shot.
I am just wondering about keeping these alive. Do you think I should cut off all the stalks that are sprouting at the base? Or will it branch out at each of the joints anyway? Some of the branches are mostly brown but the branch is basically alive. Or it seems to be when I have broken them off.
And that fly paper ribbon has cut down on the fungus gnats. ( I would say eliminated, but I might meet a cloud of gnats bent on revenge when I go downstairs this morning.) I did dry out every potted plant for about 2 weeks before I brought the pots inside. Dry soil, gravel or sandy topping, fly ribbon for the survivors....I think that covered it!


But do you think I should trim all of the brown off? My inclination is to cut it off just to keep the plant looking attractive anyway. Maybe I could root all those cuttings? Oh no, I am getting carried away. I will need to take over more of the basement!
Kim Smith
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  • Rhonda B Rhonda B on Nov 26, 2014
    I would leave the brown on unless it is totally dead-there is always a chance new growth will form at the ends. Are your lights on a timer? How long do you leave them on? I leave my lights on my plants at least 15 hours a day. You might also want to get a reflective blanket to reflect more light back on your plants-that will help a lot to ensure they are receiving enough light.
  • Kim Smith Kim Smith on Nov 27, 2014
    Thanks Rhonda. I do leave the lights on about 14-15hrs a day. I had forgotten about the reflective blanket I used last year. I will get that out. I am up early to start cooking for Thanksgiving. I hope you all here on Hometalk have a wonderful holiday!
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