- Family and Society
- The Halachot of Shmitta and Yovel
Infested potted plant outdoor - shmittah
Question
Thank you for answer.
How may I treat an infested potted plant on a tiled porch, 4th floor?
Also, may I remove dead leaves on plants that are sprouting new leaves? What may I do with completely dead plants? Indoor and outdoor.
Thank you
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom,
If the porch does not have a roof above, regardless of the 4th floor, then it is considered outside. On the other hand, if there is a porch above your porch and there is a wall around the flower pot at least 80 cm high, then your flower pot is again considered inside and you may do any necessary treatment.
Furthermore, if you wish to take the pot indoors, you may do so and then treat the plant without Shemitta restrictions. However, in such a case you MAY NOT take it out again to an outdoor environment with no rooftop.
In outdoor conditions, you may treat the sick plant by spraying it or cleaning since this an action of maintaining the plant and saving but not promoting growth. Also, the pruning of dead leaves may be done, but it should done in a way in which it is not promoting new growth.
In regard to the removal of the dead plant the best is to cut the dead part of the plant above the ground.
All the best

Disposing of wilted or dead flowers on Shmita
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tevet 3, 5775

Shmitta Observance Questions
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 6 Cheshvan 5768

Biur for Kdushat Shviit Fruits
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 1, 5776
Shmita Clarifications
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Shevat 21, 5782

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Modern laws vs Shulchan Orach
Av 28, 5769

Kashrut
Elul 14, 5769

Swimming together with siblings
Av 29, 5769

Bilam
Elul 20, 5769
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Selling flour for pesach
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar II 26, 5774
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Model of Ark of the Covenant
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 7, 5783

source for אין מוקדם ומאוחר בתורה
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 1, 5783
