Foliage Tips for Fall
Do you love it when the seasons change? We sure do. However, your plants may not be as big as fans.
What exactly do we mean? Well, when we leave summer and head into fall, your plants can feel the impact of the changing temperatures and shorter daylight hours. You may have to modify some of your care to make sure they can still thrive!
With the approach of winter, the days grow shorter, which means your plants will receive less sunlight compared to the abundance they enjoyed in the summer! If they’re getting less light, then they will need less water. As the shift in seasons sets in, it is the right time to adjust your care so that your plant isn’t overwhelmed by the changes.
Not only is excess water in your plants' soil bad for the roots (and can lead to root rot), but it can also make for ideal living conditions for unwanted bugs and pests in your space! Check your plants’ soil before watering to ensure your watering sessions aren’t too close together.
When it comes to light, if you don’t think your plant is getting enough where it currently is, consider moving it closer to a window as the lower-light seasons approach. A great supplement to a dimly lit environment is some “artificial sun” - grow lights. This might be something to consider year-round if your home really lacks natural light! Autumn and winter are also a great time to double-down and step up your cleaning game; when the leaves have dust on them, they can’t absorb as much light. Pull out your duster and make sure those leaves are squeaky clean!
Spring and summer are the most active growing seasons for most plants; fertilizing is most beneficial for a plant when it is focusing on developing new leaves and roots. This means that, as the seasons change, your plant will work through fertilizer more slowly. Scale back application frequency and intensity in the fall and winter, as your plants will slow their growth during the cooler and dimmer months. Some plants would prefer to receive almost no fertilizer during these seasons!
It is also great to remember, at this time of year, that drafts can be bad for your plants! If you run your heat through fall and winter, that can dry out your plant. All that warm air from the vents lowers the local humidity. You can mitigate this by moving your plant further from the draft, by misting your plant on non-watering days, by investing in a humidifier, and creating a humidity tray for your plant to rest on.
Lastly, watch your plant for a shift in growth patterns, growth speed, or anything else! You know your plant best, keep an eye on it so you can be proactive about any changes that come with the season. You may see your plant dropping leaves, growing slower, or even growing much faster in a “leggy” fashion. Take care to remove anything that hinders your plant’s success.