As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, our houseplants need a little TLC to help them transition into cozy, autumn mode. Fall care is all about dialing things down and keeping it comfy for your plants. With a few small adjustments, they’ll be ready to relax and recharge until spring. So pour a cup of coffee and check out these fall plant-care tips to keep your green friends happy through the colder months.
Take It Easy on the Watering
When it comes to watering, fall is like the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” season. Plant growth slows as the days get shorter, so go easy on the watering can. Use a bamboo skewer or your finger to test the soil about an inch down; if it’s dry, go ahead and water. Overwatering is a big no-no any time of year, but in the cool season it can quickly lead to root rot and fungus gnats.
Boost the Humidity
As heaters kick in and humidity dips, plants start craving a little more moisture. Consider clustering plants together (group hug!), add a small humidifier to the room, or set plants on pebble trays with a bit of water. As the water evaporates, it provides much-needed humidity.
Give Them All the Light They Can Get
Sunlight is in shorter supply this time of year, so try to grab every last drop of it! Move plants closer to the windows and rotate them so everyone gets a fair share of the rays. South-facing windows are prime real estate right now. And if your space isn’t sunny, consider a full-spectrum grow light as a winter boost. In the shop, we stock nifty grow lights on telescoping stakes and replacement bulbs that turn standard lamps into a grow light. Both products are from We the Wild, and we can’t get enough of them!
Hold Off on the Fertilizer
With plants slipping into dormancy, they don’t need as much food, so it’s time to ease up on the fertilizer. Give them one last meal as we head into fall, then skip it until spring.
Dust ’Em Off
Fall is the perfect time for a little leaf spa day. Dust blocks light absorption, which plants desperately need in fall and winter. Wipe down big leaves with a damp cloth, brush delicate ones gently, or give smaller plants a quick rinse in the shower. Dust-free leaves mean maximum sunbathing potential! We love the Protect Spray from We the Wild for shining leaves and preventing pests. Stop by the shop for a bottle of this neem oil treatment that actually has a pleasant citrusy smell.
Watch Out for Pesky Pests
Cooler weather means little critters might want to shack up in your plants’ cozy soil. Keep an eye out for signs of pests, like webbing or small holes. If you spot any, act fast. Neem oil or insecticidal soap usually does the trick. And quarantining the plant can help prevent any bug parties from spreading. Did we mention how much we love the Protect Spray from We the Wild? We also carry their gnat traps in case you find yourself swatting the tiny flyers.
Do a Quick Trim
Fall isn’t the time for a major makeover, but a little trim is a good idea. Snip off any yellowing or dead leaves to help the plant conserve energy. This way, your planty pals are all cleaned up and ready to hunker down for the winter. If you have fast-growers like pothos, a light trim can help keep them in check too.
Repot Only If You Must
Fall isn’t the time for a big repotting project, but if you’ve got a major root-bound situation or seriously sad soil, you can give your houseplant an upgrade. To keep things cozy:
Choose a pot that’s only about an inch bigger in diameter than your root ball
Make sure the pot has drainage holes
Use fresh, high-quality soil
Bonus points if you give your roots a leg up by adding Enrich Powder from We the Wild into the new soil. It’s all natural and made from worm castings. Trust us, your plants will appreciate it!
Keep the Temperature Steady
Plants are big fans of consistency. Avoid setting them near drafty windows or doors, and keep the temperature nice and steady. They’re comfiest between 65° and 75°F, with nighttime temps above 55°F. Any chillier, and your plant might give you the cold shoulder!
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