As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, your houseplants notice the change even if they’re indoors. Fall is a time when their needs begin to shift, and sticking to a summer routine won’t cut it for long.
But what exactly should you be doing differently this time of year?
The best fall care tips for houseplants focus on helping them adjust to lower light, cooler air, and a slower growth pace. A few small changes now can set your plants up to stay healthy all through the colder months.
Table of Contents
Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. Check soil moisture weekly to avoid overwatering
As the seasons change, your plants don’t dry out as quickly. Make it a habit to check the soil every week. Stick your finger about an inch down to see if it feels dry before reaching for your watering can.
Don’t rely on a set schedule. Each plant, and each spot in your home, can be a little different. You might find your green friends need less frequent watering as the weather cools off.
Overwatering is a common problem, especially in fall when growth slows. Letting the soil partly dry out keeps roots healthy and helps prevent issues like root rot. Your plants will thank you for the extra attention.
2. Move plants away from drafty windows
When the weather cools down, cold air can seep through window cracks and chills can damage your plants. Many indoor types are sensitive to sudden drops in temperature and might develop brown or yellow leaves.
To keep your plants healthy, shift them a little further into the room, especially in the evenings when it gets colder. Try to avoid placing them right under vents or spots that catch a cold breeze.
You don’t have to move them far – even a couple of feet from the window can make a big difference. This simple step helps your plants adjust to seasonal changes without stress.
3. Reduce fertilizing frequency to once a month
As the days get shorter, your houseplants aren’t as active as they were in spring and summer. That means they don’t use nutrients as quickly, so monthly feeding is usually enough.
Stick to a gentle, balanced fertilizer and dilute it to half strength. This helps avoid buildup in the soil, which can be tough for roots during cooler months.
Pay attention to any changes in leaf color or growth, as these can tell you if your schedule needs adjusting. It’s always better to err on the side of less rather than more during fall.
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4. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier
Fall air usually dries out as the temperature drops. Your plants will feel it too, especially ones that enjoy the higher humidity levels of summer.
One way to help them out is by placing their pots on a pebble tray filled with water. As water evaporates, it boosts the humidity around your plant without making the whole room damp.
You could also run a small humidifier near your plants (I use this one at home). This option works well if you have several plants grouped together or if your home gets very dry.
Remember to refill the tray or humidifier regularly so you’re getting the full benefit. Plants often perk up once their environment feels a bit less dry.
5. Trim yellowing leaves to promote new growth
Yellow leaves pop up as the seasons shift, and it’s a good idea to remove them as soon as you notice. Pruning away these discolored parts helps your plant focus energy on producing healthy leaves and new shoots.
You don’t need fancy tools – a clean pair of scissors works just fine. Snip close to the stem, but be careful not to damage nearby healthy parts.
By removing faded leaves regularly, you help the plant breathe better and reduce the risk of pests setting in. It’s a simple habit that supports strong, steady growth.
6. Repot root-bound plants in fresh soil
Roots that wind around the inside of a pot or even poke through drainage holes mean your plant’s outgrown its home. When you see this, it’s time to give it some extra space by repotting.
Choose a container that’s one or two inches larger than the current one. Fill it with fresh, nutrient-rich soil (this one is perfect for houseplants) to help your plant settle in and recover from a busy growing season.
Try not to pull the roots apart too much, but do gently loosen them if they’re tightly packed. Water your plant thoroughly after moving it to help reduce transplant shock.
7. Clean leaves gently to improve photosynthesis
Dust and grime can build up quickly indoors, especially after windows are shut more often in the fall. Wipe each leaf with a soft, damp cloth or use a gentle shower to keep them clear. This helps your plants catch more light and stay healthy.
Skip using harsh sprays or rough sponges. These can scratch the surface or even remove a protective layer on foliage. Use plain, lukewarm water for the best results.
You might want to do this every few weeks, depending on how dusty your space gets. Plants with large, broad leaves usually need it more often. Make it part of your seasonal routine to keep things simple.
8. Place plants near south-facing windows for more light
Days get shorter in the fall, so your plants aren’t getting as much sunlight. Moving them close to a south-facing window gives them the brightest spot to soak up more rays.
Your plants might start to lean toward the light source or stretch out a bit. Giving them prime real estate by the window can help keep their growth steady and healthy.
Make sure leaves aren’t right against cold glass, especially at night. A small gap protects them from drafts or chilly air. Regularly wipe dust off the glass and leaves so nothing blocks the light.
9. Remove dead blooms promptly
Dead flowers can draw energy away from new growth and slow things down. By snipping them off as soon as you notice them, you’re helping your plant focus on making healthy leaves and new buds.
Leaving old blooms in place can also invite mold or other issues, especially as temperatures drop. It only takes a few moments to cut them away – small scissors work well for this.
Check plants once a week for spent flowers. Fresh, healthy foliage is a good goal for the cooler months, and getting rid of old blossoms will help keep your plants looking tidy.
10. Use Epsom salt solution for magnesium boost
Epsom salt can help supply magnesium, which some indoor plants may need as the days get shorter. Mix about one teaspoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water. Use this solution to water your plants once a month.
You’ll want to avoid overdoing it – too much magnesium can be just as harmful as too little. Most leafy houseplants will appreciate this occasional boost, especially as fall approaches.
Always check your plant’s needs before adding anything new. Some types don’t require extra magnesium. Stick to the diluted mix and see how your plants respond.
11. Bring tropical plants indoors before frost
Tropical varieties can’t handle cold temperatures and may get damaged from even a light frost. Once nighttime lows dip below 50°F, it’s a good idea to start moving these greenery inside.
Check for bugs on leaves or soil before bringing anything inside. A gentle hose rinse and wiping down the leaves can remove pests.
Find a spot that gets good sunlight, since they’ll miss the bright light they had outside. Keep them away from cold drafts and heaters, which can stress the plants.
You might need to water less in the house since indoor air stays drier and plants use water more slowly in cooler seasons.
12. Adjust watering schedule as days get shorter
Plants aren’t as thirsty in fall as they were in summer. Cooler temperatures and less sunshine mean your soil dries out much slower. Sticking to your old watering routine could leave roots sitting in soggy soil.
Check the moisture by touching the top inch of soil. Only water when it feels dry, and always pour out any extra that collects in trays.
You might find you only need to water every couple of weeks, depending on your home’s conditions. Make changes gradually and pay attention to how your plants respond. Some will need less water than others, so don’t be afraid to treat each one differently.
13. Apply organic mulch to retain soil warmth
Adding a thin layer of mulch on top of the soil can help protect your plants’ roots as the weather cools. Options like shredded bark, coconut coir, or dried leaves work well and are easy to find.
Spread mulch gently, making sure not to pack it too tightly. This lets the soil breathe while still holding onto warmth and moisture.
Using organic mulch also cuts down how often you’ll need to water. Plus, it’ll break down slowly over time and add nutrients to the soil.
Just keep mulch a little away from plant stems to prevent any rot or mold issues. This simple step keeps your plants more comfortable as temperatures start to drop.
14. Rotate plants weekly for even light exposure
Turning your pots every week helps each side get its fair share of light. This keeps growth balanced, so your leaves won’t all lean one way. It’s an easy routine that helps prevent plants from looking lopsided over time.
You might notice new stems starting to stretch toward the window. By rotating, those stems have a chance to grow straight up. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your plant’s shape.
Just pick a consistent day, like every Sunday, and give each pot a quarter turn. Your greenery will thank you by looking fuller and healthier.
15. Use a grow light for plants needing extra light
Some houseplants struggle with shorter, darker days in autumn. They might show slower growth or faded leaves when there’s not enough light. A grow light can help them get the boost they need.
You don’t have to invest in anything fancy. Even a basic LED grow light can make a difference for sun-loving varieties.
Place the light close, but not too close, so your plants don’t get scorched. Aim to keep it on for about 10-12 hours a day. Watch for any changes in color or growth, and adjust the position as needed.
It’s a simple way to support your houseplants until brighter days return. Some plants may not need this extra step, so check each one’s preferences.