🪴HOW TO & TIPS
It’s September 1st, the official start of autumn (or fall, for our friends in the US).
The air gets crisper, the jumpers come out, and the pumpkin spice lattes start multiplying. But while we humans are busy romanticising golden leaves and cosy evenings, our houseplants are quietly shifting gears too.
Autumn is one of the most important times of year for plant care. It’s the bridge between summer’s growth spurt and winter’s slow-down, and how you handle the next few months will set your plants up for success (or stress) over winter.
So let’s talk about what changes, and how to prepare.
Why autumn matters for plants
In summer, your plants are busy. Longer days and warmer temperatures push them to grow faster. More leaves, more roots, more everything. By autumn, things start slowing down. Days get shorter, light levels drop, and plants naturally conserve energy.
If you keep caring for them like it’s still July, you risk overwatering, overfeeding, and stressing them out. But adjust your routine now, and you’ll glide into winter with healthier, happier plants.
The biggest mistake people make
They keep their summer routine going. Same watering, same fertiliser, same everything. The problem? Your plant doesn’t need as much anymore. Imagine being fed three roast dinners a day while trying to hibernate… not fun.
Watering: less is more (but not too little)
Plants drink less in autumn as growth slows. The top of the soil will take longer to dry, and roots aren’t absorbing as quickly.
What to do:
- Always check the soil before watering. A moisture meter is your best friend here.
- Water deeply but less frequently. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
- Watch for yellowing leaves (a classic sign of overwatering in cooler months).
Light: shorter days, leggier plants
Autumn means less daylight, which can be tough on houseplants. Even bright windows won’t be as powerful.
What to do:
- Move plants closer to windows (without touching cold glass).
- Clean leaves so they can absorb every bit of available light.
- Rotate pots weekly to prevent lopsided growth.
- If you’ve been eyeing grow lights, now’s the time. Even a small one can make a huge difference. Use code SHEFFIELD25 for 25% off SANSI grow lights.
Fertiliser: when to cut back
Think of fertiliser as an energy drink. In summer, your plants guzzle it. In autumn, they don’t need it as much.
What to do:
- Reduce feeding to once a month or stop altogether, depending on the plant.
- If you see active growth (new leaves, shoots), a light feed is fine.
- Otherwise, let your plants rest. They’ll thank you in spring.
Quick checklist for autumn-ready houseplants
- Repot now if you must, but ideally wait until spring.
- Remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pests love them.
- Check for hitchhiking bugs before windows get shut tight.
- Group humidity-loving plants together (indoor air gets drier once heating kicks in).
- Start trimming your watering schedule and observation habits now.
That’s it!