Seasonal Transitions: Why Fall and Winter Matter for Your Houseplants
As the seasons change from summer to fall, so do your plants' needs. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and reduced sunlight mean most houseplants slow down their growth or enter dormancy. While this is a natural part of their lifecycle, it’s crucial to adjust your plant care routine to help them thrive through the colder months.
Fun Fact: Some Plants Take Naps!
Many houseplants, like succulents and cacti, go into a "rest mode" or dormancy during the fall and winter. This period helps them conserve energy and prepare for a more active growing season come spring.
Essential Tips to Help Your Plants Thrive Through Fall and Winter
Whether you have tropical varieties, succulents, or leafy greens, these seasonal tips will ensure your plants remain healthy until the warmth returns.
Fun Fact: Plants Can Feel Temperature Changes Too
Just like us, plants feel the cold. A plant near a drafty window or radiator may show signs of stress, such as wilting or browning leaves. Moving them to a cozier spot can work wonders!
Step 1: Bring Your Outdoor Plants Inside (But Check for Pests First)
If you’ve kept plants on your balcony or patio, now’s the time to move them indoors. Before you do, give them a thorough check for pests, like spider mites or aphids, which can spread to your other houseplants. Shower them off and examine the undersides of leaves, stems, and the topsoil to ensure they’re clean.
A great idea is to have some Neem Oil on hand just in case you get some unwanted hitchhikers!
Care Tip:
Showering your plants gently can dislodge pests, but you can also use insecticidal soap for extra protection. Repeat this process after bringing them inside, just to be safe.
Step 2: Repot Active Growers
Even though the growing season is winding down, some plants may have been overachievers this summer. Check the bottom of your plant pots for roots sticking out of drainage holes—this indicates it’s time to repot them into something slightly larger.
Care Tip:
Choose a pot that’s about 1-2 inches bigger in diameter than the current one to give your plant room to breathe and grow comfortably over the winter.
We love using Rosy Soil, as it's a perfect blend for most plant. Make sure you check out our other substrates as well!
Adjusting Your Plant Care Routine for Dormant Season
Once indoors, your plants will experience slower growth due to less sunlight. While each plant is different, you’ll need to pay closer attention to watering schedules, feeding habits, and environmental factors such as heat and humidity.
Fun Fact: Some Plants Only Need Water Once a Month in Winter!
During the colder months, many houseplants need far less water, especially those with slow growth or those going dormant. Overwatering is the number one plant killer during fall and winter, so be mindful!
Step 3: Monitor Soil and Watering Habits
Many plants will need far less water in the fall and winter. To avoid overwatering, invest in a moisture meter to help you gauge soil moisture more accurately. Additionally, stop fertilizing plants that have halted new growth or whose growth has dramatically slowed.
Care Tip:
Water your plants when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, but always adjust based on individual plant needs. For plants like succulents, watering once a month could be all they require.
Step 4: Check for Environmental Hazards
Take a walk around your home to see if any plants are near drafty windows, doors, or heaters that could affect their health. Drafts from windows can cause cold stress, while heaters can dry out your plant’s leaves and soil.
Care Tip:
Move sensitive plants away from direct heat sources or cold drafts, and consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially for tropical varieties.
Give Your Plants the Best Chance to Thrive Through the Seasons
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your houseplants stay healthy through fall and winter. Adjusting their environment and care will help them conserve energy and come back even stronger when spring arrives. At Ed's Plant Shop, we have all the tools and advice you need to keep your plants thriving year-round.
Shop Now: Explore our selection of plant care products designed to make seasonal transitions easier for both you and your plants! Check out our full lineup of in-stock plants here!
