Even though autumn is still a few weeks away there are changes to your indoor houseplant care routine you can make to ensure your plants thrive throughout the upcoming season.
As the seasons change houseplants experience a drop in temperature and receive less sunlight (especially here in Canada). How often should houseplants be watered in the fall? Should you start giving it more plant food? Is now a good time to repot? Let’s find out.
Water less: As expected, you will need less water to keep your indoor houseplants’ thirsts quenched throughout the fall. As the amount of sunlight the plants are getting drops, remember to check the moisture of the soil with the tip of your finger before adding more water. The website countryliving.com says to push your finger into the soil of your plant up to your second knuckle. The soil will stick to your finger if it is moist and lets you know that the plant does not need more water. If the soil needs water your finger will come out dry and it is time to water.
Up the humidity: Summers in southern Ontario can be humid and very hot. Several types of common houseplants thrive in high humidity and during summer months you can expect to see a lot of new growth and leaves. Autumn brings less humidity which means it is a good idea to find ways to increase it. Consider adding a humidifier to the room that has the most plants in it or group the plants together that have similar needs.
“Plants release moisture into the air around them. When grouped together, they create a mini micro-climate of boosted humidity, which almost all houseplants, especially tropical ones, love. In terms of aesthetics, I don’t think you can really go wrong with plant pairing,” reads leonandgeorge.com.
Mindful lighting: As soon as fall hits it seems the sun disappears. While not entirely true, it is true there are fewer hours of daylight during colder months which your houseplants notice too. Aside from the temperature fluctuations of fall, the decreased light can take its toll on your plants. Make sure you reposition your plants often to give them the optimal amount of light during the day. This may take a little bit of trial and error as you find the best spots to place your place during the fall but your plant’s foliage, colour and vibrancy will thank you for it.
Potting: Autumn is your last chance to repot any plants that thrived so hard in the summer they are bursting out of their pots. With winter being a terrible time to repot, you’ve got a few weeks left to get it done. Take this time to examine your plant’s roots, foliage, and soil quality. Trim away any dead or wet roots that may lead to root rot and repot with an eco-friendly mix.
