Fall Awakening: Breathing Life Into Houseplants With a Little “Secret”
There isn’t one secret ingredient that magically revives houseplants in fall. The real trick is adjusting their care as light and temperatures change. Indoor plants generally grow more slowly in autumn and winter, so watering and fertilizer often need to be reduced.
🌿 5 simple things that can make a big difference
1. Give them the best light you can.
Most houseplants do well with bright, indirect light. As daylight decreases, move plants closer to an appropriate bright window or consider supplemental lighting.
2. Check the soil before watering.
Don’t water automatically on a fixed schedule. Feel the soil about an inch or two down; if it’s still moist, wait. When it is dry enough for that particular plant, water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
3. Don’t “feed” a struggling plant with extra fertilizer.
During fall and winter, many houseplants slow their growth and need little or no fertilizer. Too much fertilizer when growth is slow can damage roots.
4. Clean dusty leaves.
A gentle wipe with plain, room-temperature water can remove dust and help keep foliage looking healthy. Avoid oily leaf-shine products, which can attract dust.
5. Check for pests.
If you’ve recently brought outdoor plants indoors, inspect the leaves and soil carefully for insects or disease. Keeping questionable plants separated from your other houseplants temporarily can prevent problems from spreading.
🪴 The “secret” is restraint
One of the most common mistakes in fall is trying to compensate for slower growth with more water and more fertilizer. In reality, reduced light usually means the plant uses less water, and many plants need less feeding.
