Houseplants are a well-loved décor staple in many households. Not only do they complement the interior design of any space, but they also have proven benefits for mental health and can increase oxygen levels in your home.
If you own houseplants, you know that your care rituals can change as the seasons start to turn. Just as every plant requires a different level of care and attention, every plant also reacts uniquely to the changing of the seasons.
Support Your Houseplants’ Health This Fall
As fall descends, it’s time to reevaluate how you’re caring for your houseplants and what they might need to thrive over the next few months. To keep your houseplants healthy this fall, you can:
Decrease Watering
Houseplants rarely need the same amount of water in the fall as they did in the summer, especially since the days getting shorter will decrease the amount of light they receive regularly.
Depending on the type, some plants need around half the amount of water in autumn that they need in summer, and too much water can lead to root rot and other issues.
Increase Humidity
As the weather outside gets colder, many homeowners will start to use their heating systems on a regular basis, which means the air in their homes will be dryer than it was during the summer.
Many houseplants are of the tropical variety, which means they need a slightly humid environment to thrive. You may need to invest in a humidifier in order to keep your home at the right humidity levels for optimal plant health.
Make Sure Your Light Levels Are Consistent
The days are shorter in the fall and winter, and the angle of the sun will be slightly different. This means that if your plant was getting the perfect amount of light in one area of your home during the summer, this area may not cut it during the fall.
Notice where your home gets the best natural light in fall, and consider moving your plants closer to it. If you struggle to get enough natural light in your home, you could support your plants’ health with a grow light.
Bring Plants Back Inside
Any plants that were moved outdoors during the summertime will need to be moved back inside. It’s important to take this step before temperatures drop too much. Before bringing your plants inside, make sure to check them for pests that they may have picked up while outside.
Expect Some Leaf Drops
When you move plants from outside to inside, it’s natural that they’ll drop a few leaves as they readjust to a new level of light and humidity. Just make sure you’re keeping up your normal care routine, and they should grow back the leaves they lost.
Repot Plants That Have Grown
Often plants that spend the summer outdoors will grow in size due to the extra sunlight. If this is true for your plants, make sure to repot them into new planters that are both deeper and wider so that the roots have enough room to support their new size.
Fall Plant Care Means Healthy Plants Year-Round
Houseplants need love and attention in every season, but by ensuring you sufficiently support them through these drier, cooler months, you will be rewarded with happy, healthy plants when spring returns. With just a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy the benefits of your houseplants year-round.
