Ahh, Fall has arrived and Winter is on its way. Put those swimsuits away because cozy clothes are in, pumpkin spice lattes are freaking everywhere, and cuffin’ season is upon us.
We know. There’s too much to think about. Like how to convince everyone at Thanksgiving that you’re a mature, independent adult that doesn't need or have time for a partner but would honestly love it if a gorgeous human came by and sparked a mutually beneficial, healthy relationship. We're not unrealistic—you are.
Long story short, we spent time writing down all the plant care tips so that you didn't have to. Instead, you can spend your time in that rabbit hole we just pushed you down. Here they are, try not to kill your plants this time around:
Reposition Your Plants
Pull them away from heating units, fireplaces, or drafty windows. You don’t love large swings in temperature and neither do they. That being said—succulents and cacti will do fine. Deserts are normally cold AF in the winter, so they're used to it.
Keep Watering At Bay
Less sunlight coupled with slower seasonal growth means your plants don't need as much water. Reduce amounts by a third and wait a few more days than usual. Remember to finger your plant two inches into the soil to check if watering is necessary. Overwatering = waterboarding = drowning your plant. Not cool.
Chase the Sun
The angles at which light enters your home will change, so move your buddies around to keep the amount of light they receive consistent. Lastly, you’ll want to pull plants placed farther away closer to the light source due to weaker sunlight (and less of it).
Plants Who Stick Together Sweat Together
Protip: Plants literally sweat, just like us, and grouping them together can create a greenhouse effect that increases humidity in their immediate vicinity. It also helps to double up on your misting or invest in a humidifier as the air gets more and more dry. Your plants and your skin will love you.
Cash Me Inside, Howbowdah
Bringing plants back indoors? That's nice of you. It's not like they'd be freezing out there or anything. Your to-do list:
- Check for pests, especially in crevasses and on the undersides of leaves. Remove them using a mix of neem oil, dish soap, and water.
- Gradually introduce the plant to lower light levels. Move them, over the course of a week or so, from bright light to partial shade to its optimal placement indoors.
- Reduce watering amounts since the plant won't be exposed to wind or other elements anymore that typically dry soil out faster.
- Don't worry over a few leaves that drop or yellow in the beginning —plants will get a little stressed when moved to new environments.
Size Up
You may need to repot your plants depending on how much they've grown this year. The next few weeks is a great time to do it in preparation for next Spring. Check out our step-by-step repotting instructions.
Don't Overthink It
Plants have been around way longer than humanity has. They'll be fine. No need to fertilize as most perennial houseplants go dormant in the Winter (i.e. just chillin). Plants are smart unlike us and conserve energy until better conditions arrive in Spring. Some houseplants may even appear "dead" when dormant, like the Oxalis, but if you reduce watering and keep playing tunes for them at night, they'll be back with a vengeance.
You got this. We believe in you.
With love,
The Plantboys