As summer draws to a close and temperatures begin to drop, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your indoor and outdoor plants for the colder months ahead. Fall and winter can be challenging for plants due to reduced light, cooler temperatures, and changes in humidity, but with a few simple adjustments, you can help your plants thrive during the colder seasons. Here’s how to get your plants ready for fall and winter.
1. Adjust Watering Routine
In the cooler months, most plants enter a state of dormancy or reduced growth. This means they require less water. Overwatering during fall and winter can lead to root rot or fungal issues, so it’s important to cut back on watering.
Tip: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and always check moisture levels before adding water. Succulents and cacti, in particular, need even less water during the cold season.2. Modify Lighting
As days grow shorter, your plants will receive less natural light. Many houseplants may struggle with the reduced light levels, which can stunt their growth.
Tip: Move plants closer to windows to maximize available light, but avoid drafts or direct cold air. If necessary, consider investing in grow lights to supplement natural light, especially for light-loving plants like succulents, herbs, and tropical varieties.3. Humidity Management
Indoor heating systems can drastically lower humidity levels, which can cause issues for tropical plants like ferns, calatheas, and philodendrons that thrive in more humid conditions.
Tip: Use a humidifier or place trays of water near your plants to increase moisture in the air. Alternatively, misting the leaves regularly can help maintain adequate humidity levels.4. Pruning and Cleaning
Before winter sets in, give your plants a good pruning to remove dead or dying leaves and stems. This will not only keep them looking fresh but also help them conserve energy during the colder months.
Tip: Gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust that may block light. For outdoor plants, clear away debris and fallen leaves from the base to prevent pests and disease from taking hold.5. Repot or Leave Be?
Fall is generally not the best time to repot your plants, as they’re preparing for dormancy. However, if your plant is root-bound or showing signs of distress, a gentle repotting before winter hits could benefit it.
Tip: Choose a pot that is one size larger and use fresh, well-draining soil. Avoid fertilizing newly repotted plants until spring when active growth resumes.6. Protect Outdoor Plants
If you have outdoor plants, they’ll need extra care as temperatures drop. Frost and cold winds can be harmful to many plants, especially those not hardy enough to withstand freezing conditions.
Tip: Bring potted plants indoors before the first frost. For those that must remain outside, cover them with frost blankets or burlap to protect them from harsh weather. Mulching around the base of the plant can also provide insulation.7. Cut Back on Fertilizer
During fall and winter, most plants slow down their growth or go dormant, so there’s no need to continue feeding them as often.
Tip: Reduce or stop fertilizing plants entirely during the colder months. Wait until spring to resume feeding when the plant’s active growth cycle begins again.8. Pest Prevention
Fall is a critical time to keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, aphids, and scale. These pests tend to thrive in dry, warm environments and can be a problem when indoor plants are more vulnerable.
Tip: Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests. Wipe down leaves and use insecticidal soap if needed to keep these unwanted guests at bay.Final Thoughts
Preparing your plants for fall and winter is essential to ensure they remain healthy and vibrant throughout the season. By making a few adjustments to your plant care routine, you can provide the best conditions for your plants to survive and even thrive during the colder months.
Whether you’re tending to succulents, tropicals, or outdoor perennials, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your plants happy as the seasons change.