As the weather cool down , our garden start to retirement , and our beloved plants may begin to struggle outdoors . But that does n’t mean we have to say goodbye to greenery ! Indoor gardening is having a second , and for a good understanding . It ’s such a howling elbow room to keep the garden joy live year - circular , specially in the fall when the daylight are shortsighted and the air is crisp . Whether you ’re an apartment dweller without a one thousand or simply want to expand your plant collection indoors , fall is the perfect fourth dimension to work your preferred outdoor plants inside or add a few Modern houseplants to your base .
I do it how intimidating it can be to passage plants indoors — look at with rock-bottom luminousness , fluctuating temperature , and , of path , the dreaded pests that can sneak in . But with the right strategies , you may create a thriving indoor garden that institute beauty , fresh zephyr , and a little bit of nature ’s magic to your home , even in the heart of winter . countenance ’s dive into some of the best ways to care for your indoor plants this descent , ensure they remain healthy , glad , and green all time of year long !
Adjusting Light Levels
One of the most important prospect of indoor plant care in the fall is adjusting to changing promiscuous levels . As the day get shorter , the amount of rude light useable decreases , and this can be a shock to plants that were used to enjoy in bright summer sunshine . I find it unbelievably helpful to observe where the light falls in my home as the season convert . southward - confront windows usually get the most light , but do n’t discount the east - face ones for those lovely , blue-blooded morning beam of light . reckon go light - loving plants like succulent or citrus closer to these windows to make indisputable they get enough sunshine .
If you ’ve ever been frustrate by leggy plants stretching toward the igniter , you know how important this dance step is ! For those of us with home that do n’t get much natural light , investing in a good tone produce light can make all the conflict . Choose full - spectrum lead lights that mimic natural sunlight and coiffe them on a timer to offer your plants with a logical amount of Inner Light each sidereal day . I have a go at it how these lights help keep my plants lush and vibrant , even during the darkest wintertime days . And do n’t forget to spread out your plants every few calendar week so all sides get an equal amount of lighting !
Managing Humidity
Dry indoor air can be a real challenge for plants in the downslope and winter . I roll in the hay how disheartening it is to see crispy leaf edges or droop foliage , specially when you ’re doing everything else right ! Many houseplant , especially those aboriginal to tropic regions like fern , orchidaceous plant , and calatheas , hunger higher humidness level than our heated up homes provide . An easy way to boost humidness is by grouping your flora together — they release moisture through a process call transpiration , creating a microclimate that benefits everyone .
If you ’ve got plant life that are particularly grouchy about humidity , study rank them on a humidness tray filled with water and pebble . you may also use a small humidifier nearby to keep the melodic phrase moist , peculiarly during the cold months when heating systems can dry out the air . Another trick I love is misting — a docile misting of water can make a freehanded deviation for your humidity - loving plants , though it ’s not a replacement for a more reproducible humidity answer . Just be mindful not to overdo it , as too much wet can invite mold and mold , which is the last matter any of us want !
Controlling Pests
Pests are one of the biggest headaches when displace plants indoors , and it ’s such a bummer when they take over ! Aphids , spider mites , and fungus gnats are all too glad to hobble a ride indoors . The first dance step in curb pests is to inspect your plants thoroughly before bringing them inside . train under the leaves , around the radical , and even the grease surface for any unwished-for guests . If you spot pests , process the plants with insecticidal soap or a homemade solvent of water system and meek dish soap before moving them indoors .
Once your plants are inside , maintain a regular turn of assure for pests is key . I eff it ’s easy to let this slide , but trust me , a immediate once - over every hebdomad can forestall a minor issue from becoming a full - blown infestation ! Neem oil is another darling of mine for its effectivity against a blanket range of pests without harm the plants . And remember , healthy plant are less likely to succumb to pests , so keep your plants well - water , properly light up , and in the right humidity will go a long way in celebrate those pestering critter at bay !
Watering Wisely
Indoor plants have different lacrimation need than their outdoor counterparts , particularly in fall when growth slows down . Overwatering is one of the most rough-cut mistakes , and it can be so frustrating to watch your plant stomach from yellow leave-taking or root rot despite your honest intentions . As a ruler of thumb , it ’s unspoiled to let the stain dry out out more or less between waterings . Most indoor works , especially those with fleshy leaves like succulents and snake plants , prefer to be on the siccative side during the cooler months .
When you water , verify to do so exhaustively , allowing water to flow out of the drainage mess . This ensure that the root are adequately hydrous and prevents salt buildup in the grease , which can damage your plants over time . I always like to practice way - temperature water ; cold water can scandalise the root , and nobody wants that ! And recollect , each plant is alone — take the metre to learn the specific penury of your indoor garden inhabitants , and they ’ll honour you with sound growth all year long .
Fertilizing with Care
Fertilizing can be a bit tricky in the pin since most plant are entering a period of slower growth . If you ’ve ever wondered why your plant seem to struggle after a feed , it might be because they do n’t need as much plant food in the cool months ! I generally skip back on fertilizing in the fall , switching to a dilute solution once a month rather than the more frequent alimentation agenda of leap and summertime . This give the plants just enough nutrients to stay healthy without overpower them .
For tropical plant like Monstera or Fiddle Leaf Fig , which are native to nutrient - rich rain forest , a gentle eating during the fall can help keep their large leaves looking vibrant . Just retrieve , less is more — over - fertilizing can contribute to common salt buildup in the soil and even cause folio burn . I rule that using a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer crop best , but constituent options like worm casting or compost tea are fantastic too ! They provide a sluggish - firing alimental encouragement and are kinder to both your plant life and the surround .
Pruning and Cleaning
Pruning and clean your indoor plants are essential parts of fall care , and I ca n’t emphasize enough how much it helps keep them goodish and looking their just ! Removing yellowed or dead leaves , trimming leggy emergence , and pinching back new shoots can encourage bushier emergence and prevent diseases . I roll in the hay taking this time to really connect with my plants , inspecting each one intimately and giving it a bit of TLC . Plus , a clean industrial plant is a glad plant ! Dust can block Inner Light and clog pores , so gently wipe down leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks can make a openhanded difference of opinion .
Pruning is especially important for plants like Ficus and Pothos , which can become robustious if left unbridled . Just be careful not to absent too much at once , especially in the fall when flora are beginning to retard down . If you ’ve ever felt like your plants are make a bit out of manus , a little trim can sour wonders , making them easier to deal and more aesthetically pleasing . And do n’t forget to clean those pruning shears ! A quick dip in rubbing alcohol will prevent the spread of disease from one plant life to another .
Repotting as Needed
gloam is by and large not the best time for major repotting , but sometimes , it ’s necessary ! If you notice that your works is source - ricochet — with radical circling the inside of the pot or come out from the drainage holes — it might be fourth dimension for a fresh plenty . I know it can be intimidating to repot a works , especially when it ’s doing well , but giving it a moment more outer space can avail it cover to thrive indoors . take a passel that ’s only slightly larger than the current one , and be sure to employ fresh , well - drain soil .
If you ’ve ever struggled with plant that seem to hold on grow or are always athirst , repotting could be the reply . This is also a great time to checker for any root rot or pests that might have decease unnoticed . Just remember to be gentle — capitulation is a time when many plants are preparing to stay , so do n’t shake up them more than necessary . If your plant life seems happy in its current home , there ’s no pauperism to rush to repot it ; you’re able to always waitress until give !
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