As the days shorten and temperatures drop, many houseplant lovers underestimate how seasonal changes can impact their indoor plants. Autumn brings unique challenges for indoor greenery, from reduced daylight to fluctuations in humidity, making this the perfect time to adapt your plant care routine.
Plant experts from Leaf Envy, a leading brand in houseplants and green living, share expert insight on how to keep plants thriving during the transition into the colder months.
“Autumn is a crucial season for houseplants because it marks the beginning of their natural rest period,” says Jo Lambell, CEO of Leaf Envy. “Many people forget that just like us, plants respond to environmental changes. Small adjustments in care can mean the difference between a plant that survives winter and one that flourishes come spring.”
Key autumn care tips
According to Connor Towning, Lead Horticulturist at Leaf Envy, the following practices are essential this season:
Light management: With fewer daylight hours, move plants closer to windows or rotate them weekly to maximise light exposure. Consider a grow light if natural light is limited.
Watering adjustments: Reduce watering frequency as growth slows, but avoid letting soil dry out completely. Always check the top inch of soil before watering.
Humidity boosts: Central heating can dry out the air, so mist plants lightly or use a pebble tray to maintain moisture levels.
Pause the feed: Fertiliser should be dialled back or paused entirely during autumn, as most plants enter a semi-d
ormant state. Feeding during this time can overwhelm their slowed growth cycles and lead to root stress.
“A common mistake is to continue with a summer care routine,” Connor notes. “During autumn, plants don’t require as much water or fertiliser, and they benefit hugely from added humidity.”
3 autumn plant hacks you might not know
Leaf Envy also shares three lesser-known tricks to keep houseplants happy through autumn:
- Rotate with the season: Just as we shift wardrobes, rotate plants seasonally within your home. Move species like Calatheas, Ferns, Peace Lilies, and Monsteras into kitchens or bathrooms where humidity naturally runs higher. Fiddle Leaf Figs and Pothos also appreciate this extra moisture. Meanwhile, succulents, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Cacti are well suited to drier spots like living rooms, hallways, or home offices where they can tolerate fluctuating conditions and less frequent watering.
- Dust the leaves – As heating systems kick in, dust settles faster. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth every couple of weeks helps plants photosynthesise more effectively.
- Use autumn’s harvest: Save cooled, used herbal tea or boiled vegetable water (without salt) to feed plants, these natural nutrients can give them a subtle boost as they prepare for dormancy.
Following these tips to help ensure your plants are well cared for during the dormant season can help with their vibrancy when spring comes.
Do you have any plant-care hacks? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image: Vlada Karpovich, Pexels
