The autumn is here and ,your houseplants are feeling the change in temperature!
Here are our top tips for keeping your plants healthy and happy during the autumn months.
1. Bring Your Plants Indoors
As the weather starts to cool down, make sure to bring your plants indoors to protect them from the cold. If you have any potted plants, move them to a sunny spot near a window.
2. Check for Pests
Autumn is the time when many pests become active, so it’s important to check your plants for any signs of infestation. Look out for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you see any of these pests, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Water Less Frequently
Plants will need less water during the autumn months as the weather is cooler and there is less evaporation. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering your plants again.
4. Fertilize Your Plants
During the autumn, it’s a good idea to fertilize your plants to give them a boost of nutrients. Use a organic fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium. This will help your plants to develop strong roots for the winter ahead.
5. Prune Your Plants
Pruning your plants in the autumn will encourage new growth in the spring. Cut back any dead or damaged leaves and stems. This will also help to keep your plants tidy and prevent them from getting too big for their pot.
6. Repot Your Plants
If your plants have outgrown their pot, now is the time to repot them into a larger one. Choose a pot that is only slightly bigger than the current one so that the roots don’t have too much space to spread out.
7. Divide Your Plants
If you want to propagate your plants, autumn is a good time to divide them. This is especially useful for fast-growing plants such as mint or basil. Simply divide the plant into several pieces, making sure that each piece has some roots attached. Plant the pieces in separate pots and water them well.
8. Clean Your Plants
Autumn is a good time to clean your plants and get rid of any dirt or dust that has accumulated on their leaves. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe the leaves. You can also use a Plant Safe cleaner to sanitize your plants and prevent the spread of disease.
9. Inspect Your Plants for Diseases
Keep an eye out for any signs of disease such as yellowing leaves, spots, or mold. If you see any of these symptoms, isolate the affected plant from your other plants and treat it with a fungicide or insecticide.
10. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
When the weather starts to cool down in autumn, you will need to adjust your watering schedule. Water your plants less frequently, but make sure to give them a deep watering when you do. This will help them to develop strong roots. If you want help remembering when to water, check our our free Smart Plant & Tree Care app!
11. Don’t Overwater Your Plants
One of the most common mistakes people make with their plants is overwatering them. This can lead to root rot, so it’s important to only water your plants when the soil is dry. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering your plants again.
12. Use the Right Soil
When repotting your plants or planting new ones, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix. This will provide your plants with the nutrients they need and help to prevent root rot.
13. Add Mulch to Your Plants
Adding a layer of mulch to your plants will help to protect their roots from the cold weather. It will also help to retain moisture and keep the soil warm.
14. Protect Your Plants from Frost
If you live in an area that gets frost, you will need to take extra care of your plants. Move them indoors or cover them with a frost blanket to protect them from the cold.
15. Bring Your Plants Indoors
If you have plants that are sensitive to the cold, it’s a good idea to bring them indoors for the winter. This will help to keep them warm and protected from the elements.
Tools and Products You Might Want to Consider
Let’s now take a look at some of the tools and products you might want to consider using when taking care of your plants in autumn:
- Fertilizer: Fertilizing your plants in autumn will give them a boost of nutrients. Use an organic fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium.
- Pruning shears: Pruning your plants in autumn will encourage new growth in the spring. Use sharp pruning shears to cut back any dead or damaged leaves and stems.
- Potting mix: When repotting your plants or planting new ones, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix. This will provide your plants with the nutrients they need and help to prevent root rot.
- Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch to your plants will help to protect their roots from the cold weather. It will also help to retain moisture and keep the soil warm.
- Frost blanket: If you live in an area that gets frost, you will need to take extra care of your plants. Cover them with a frost blanket to protect them from the cold.
And that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to take care of your plants in autumn. If you have any questions or tips of your own, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
