As the long summer days wind down and give way to a cooler temperature and changing seasons into autumn, your indoor houseplants enter a different phase of growth that requires your intentional effort and attention. Transitioning your indoor garden for the autumn months requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the well-being of your planty friends. With the changing light, temperature, and humidity conditions, it’s important to adapt your care routine accordingly. In this guide, we’ll explore five essential tips to help you take care of your plants and navigate the nuances of fall plant care, ensuring that your plants thrive and remain healthy throughout the season.
Reduce watering plants in cooler months
As we enter the cooler months, many houseplants will want to enter their dormant phase. They will slow down in growth during these colder periods. It is important to reduce watering during this time. Too much water during this period could result in root rot. A good way to ensure you are not over watering is to only water when the soil is dry two inches in depth. You can easily test this by pushing your finger two inches deep into the soil and feeling for moisture.
Watering plants at room temperature will ensure the plants roots aren’t shocked.
Maximize light exposure for your indoor plants
During winter, the window of daily sunshine decreases. As a result, leaveing your plants in their regular positions could lead to a lack of sunlight. If you can, move your plants to west or south facing window sills during the winter. It is also a good idea to rotate your plants every week during periods of low sunlight to stop them from growing out in the direction of the source of sunlight.
Clean your windows inside and out to ensure that the maximum amount of light is able to penetrate.
Regularly clean plant leaves
Like everything else indoors, the plants’ leaves will accumulate a layer of dust over time. Either wiping the leaves or giving them a lukewarm shower will ensure you take the layer of grime and dust off. With the dust removed, the leaves will more efficiently photosynthesis the sunlight they bask in.
Monitor humidity and indoor temperature levels
The majority of houseplants originate from tropical regions and as such thrive in conditions of higher humidity. In a heated home, humidity levels will drop to between 10 and 20 percent. When houseplants prefer a humidity of around 50%, it is important to do what you can to increase humidity. To easily increase humidity, it is a good idea to place a bowl of rocks under your plant pots that you can fill with water to just below the top line of the rocks. This will cause the water to evaporate without soaking the soil, allowing the plant to be in a more humid environment.
Houseplants like temperatures around 50-70°F. It is important to research the specific plants you have and identify the range that would best suit them. It’s also important to decrease the chances of temperature swings affecting your plants. You wouldn’t want to leave the majority of houseplants next to a radiator or fireplace, nor would you leave one in the path of the cold draught from an air conditioning unit.
Fertilize plants sparingly in cooler months
Houseplants generally experience slower growth during the fall and winter. Reduce the frequency of fertilization, or switch to a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can harm your plants, so err on the side of caution and follow the recommended dosage.
Houseplants can make a space come to life and feel extra special. Hopefully you will be inspired to go out and pick up some houseplants for your own space. With the tips provided here, you should now be able to care for them and watch them grow for years to come.
The needs of individual plant species may vary, so always refer to specific care guidelines for each type of houseplant you have.
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