Fall is upon us and that only means one thing...well, a few things actually! Days are getting shorter, you’re seeing pumpkin spice with EVERYTHING, and (most importantly) you’re probably spending much more time at home with your plants. In this article, we’ll be digging deeper into our top houseplant tips for fall and how best to care for your amigos when the sunnies come off and the reading socks come on.
Seasonal change can have drastic effects on your mood, health, and overall well-being. Same goes for your plants. If you’re reaching for your puffer and the extra cozy duvet - you best believe your green amigos are feeling the seasonal fluctuations as well. Here are some easy tricks for ensuring the happiness of your tropical plants in fall.
Optimize Your Space:
Fall is here and that means it’s time to bring your plants indoors and group them together based on their specific needs. Cooler months can mean drafty windows or heating vents so be cautious of this and ensure your indoor plants are kept at least a few feet away. One of our favourite care tips is to organize plants by their light/watering needs, which will keep your amigos happy and healthy and also simplify your care routine. Move light-loving plants closer to the window, if possible, or get a grow lamp! Lastly, before moving your plants indoors, spray them down with a hose or in your shower. This will prevent any outdoor pests from traveling into your home.
Water Less:
The more light your plant gets, the more you need to water it. The same works in reverse! When the days are shorter and there’s less light, your plants will require less water as well. Autumn marks the beginning of hibernation for most of your green amigos, and as temperatures cool, your plants should cut back on the drinks (hey, more for you!). Something to always consider when watering your plants is the temperature of the water (room temperature or lukewarm is best) and filtration. One trick for filtering your water naturally is to leave it out for 24 hours before watering! They more ya know, hey?
Repotting:
It’s no secret that the growing season for your tropical plants is in the spring and summer! If you noticed significant growth, this miiiiight just be the perfect time to repot. We always suggest repotting into planters no more than 2 inches larger in diameter, and ensuring proper drainage. For more detailed information on repotting, take a look at our blog post: The Art of Repotting!
See Ya L8er, Fertilizer!
Hold off on fertilizing your plants until the next growing season. Fall and winter months are your plants’ favourite time of year for r&r, so give them light and water and, trust us, they’ll thank you for it.
Humidity Level UP
Many houseplants come from the tropics and prefer a humid environment. When your heating is on, the air tends to dry out and your plants might be lacking humidity. This is the best time to invest in a mister or humidifier to level up your space - humidifiers are great not just for your green amigos, but for your lungs and skin as well! Grouping your plants together will also increase humidity - because everything’s better with a friend by your side… awwwww..!
We hope this autumn plant care guide was everything you wished for and more! If you still have questions about caring for your amigo, please don’t hesitate to connect with us at hello@plantsome.ca. We’re always here to help!