Many winter- and spring-flowering houseplants spend the summer outdoors. Make sure these are brought in before the first frost threatens.
Clear away the mulching material if the pots have been plunged into the ground and mulched to reduce the need for regular watering. If the pots do not come up easily, insert a garden fork a little distance away and lever them gently to avoid damaging the pots.
Remove leaves and debris from the surface of the potting soil, which will almost certainly have become contaminated. Wipe the pot clean with a damp cloth, and be especially careful to clean the bottom of the pot so that it does not make a mess indoors. If the plant has thick or glossy leaves, wipe them over with a damp cloth or sponge to improve their appearance. Plant left outdoors almost always become splashed with mud and dirt.
Always check for pests and diseases before taking the plant indoors. Look carefully at the backs of the leaves, too which is where snails and insects will often be found. Even a small snail can do a lot of damage if left undetected; it’s not just insects that can be a problem. If you find any pest, pick off the pests and/or spray the plants as necessary to get rid of any pests before bringing them inside.
As when you bring indoor plants outside, it also helps to acclimate plants that have been outside to the indoors. Start by bringing the plants inside at night for the first few days. After that, bring it inside for longer periods each day until it is indoors full time.