Preparing your Houseplants for Fall!
Pull on your coziest sweater and light up that pumpkin scented candle—it’s officially Fall! While you may love the change in season, it might be a little rough on your plant babies.
Here are our top tips to keep your plants green and growing throughout the fall season!
Bring Those Babies Inside
We know a lot of you keep some of your houseplants outside during the summer months. It’s a great way to give them lots of light and let them enjoy the natural rainwater. But once the colder months roll around, leaving your plant babies outside can be a kiss of death, especially for tropical varieties. Be sure you bring your plant babies inside when nighttime temperatures start to dip below 55 degree. Keep them inside for fall and into winter and find them a sunny window to sit next to.
Inspect for Plant Vampires
As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to take this opportunity to check your plants for pests, especially if you’re bringing them in from the outside world. The best way to do this? Spray them with some of Plant Protector. It’s a super easy, 100% natural way to keep pests away from your plant babies. Neem Oil helps with any current infestations but also helps prevent future pest problems. It’s a good idea to always keep a bottle on hand to help your plant babies stay happy and healthy. Purchase your Plant Protector Spray here!
Move Into the Light
We all know the move to fall means fewer hours of sunlight. Less light means less food for your plant babies, so it’s important to pay attention to how the light hits your plants during the colder months. This may require a little feng shui to rearrange them so they receive the proper light. Placing plants close to windows is best (avoid direct sunlight, which can damage your plants’ foliage). Use a compass app on your phone—or a light meter to measure the exact light level—to help identify ideal spots in your home.
When using a compass app, remember that each window direction offers different light:
South-facing windows get the most direct sunlight throughout the day, ideal for cacti.
North-facing windows receive the least light, making them best for low-light plants.
East-facing windows get soft, morning light, which is gentle for most plants.
West-facing windows provide bright afternoon light, perfect for light-loving plants.
Need more help? Schedule a Virtual Consultation with us and we’ll help guide you on the perfect positioning for your plant babies.
Sip Smarter
It’s time to switch up your watering routine for your plant babies. Fall means your plants aren’t soaking up water as quickly as they did in the summer heat, so you’ll want to cut back a bit. Overwatering in the cooler months can lead to soggy soil and root rot (yikes!). A good rule of thumb? Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before you water again. For extra accuracy, use a moisture meter—it’s a lifesaver! Trust me, your plants will thank you!
And hey, don’t forget to check in with each plant! Some are thirstier than others, so get to know their personalities. If you’re unsure about how to adjust your watering schedule, book a consultation with us—we’ll make sure your plants stay happy and healthy all season long!
More Moisture, Less Drama
Ever notice how your skin gets drier during the colder months? This same thing happens to plants! Between the dry outside air and the dryness from central heating, your plant babies can lose a lot of the important, natural humidity they need to thrive.
Here’s how to solve the problem:
Mist them with water: This is the simplest way to help increase the humidity around your plants. It’s a temporary solution, but if done once every day or every other day, it can really help keep your more humidity-loving plant babies happy and healthy.
Give them a shower: Ok, we know it sounds crazy, but putting your plants in the shower under lukewarm water is a great way to give them a little extra TLC. They’ll love the hydration, and it helps wash away dust while keeping pests at bay. Just a heads up, though—some plants, like African Violets, won’t appreciate the shower treatment. If you’re unsure about your plant, follow us on Instagram @verdetribe, and we’ll help you figure it out!
Get a humidifier: Humidifiers work wonders for all living things during the drier winter months. Place it on a shelf next to your plants. You don’t need to run it all day every day, but every once and awhile, turning it on for a few hours.
Create a Humidity Tray: Place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles near your plants. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity.
Plant Cuddles: Your plants love to cuddle! Grouping them together allows them to share humidity, creating a mini rainforest effect. They’ll thrive in their cozy plant community!
Well, that about wraps it up Plant Lovers! Tell us how these tips and tricks work for you, we love hearing about how you care for your plant babies!