Did you know that your mini plants respond to the changes of the seasons? The temperature and general atmosphere inside your home change with the fall, and caring for your houseplants might take some extra time, dedication, and patience. Here's why we prepared an essential guide to care for your houseplants during the fall!
Why Do Your Mini Plants Need Extra Care During The Fall?
During the fall, the days get shorter, and your mini plants will start getting less natural sunlight.
As the warm summer gives way to cooler fall air, your mini plants will also begin to respond to changes in temperature – that's how they will know it's time to start preparing for winter.
Provide Enough Lighting
The best spot for your houseplants in the spring and summer is not necessarily the best spot for those same plants once fall sets in.
Since your home will start seeing less sunlight, it's time to look for a place in your home where your plants will get the most lighting – especially for those plants that enjoy plenty of sun such as Mini Aloe, Mini Kalanchoe, Mini Ornamental Peppers, and Mini Orchids.
For the most part, this means putting your plants near windowsills (being careful to avoid windowsills that bring in chilly drafts).
If you don't have enough windows light for all your houseplants, you might consider using artificial lighting.
Protect Your Plants From Drafts
Fall weather is chillier than spring and summer, and you don't want to expose your mini plants to chilly fall temperatures that might shock them.
Remember that mini plants like Aloe Vera, African Violets, and Kalanchoe particularly like warm environments and might suffer any cold drafts.
For this reason, you want to avoid putting your plants anywhere near areas of your home that are frequently exposed to the temperatures outside – the foyer near the front door, windows that are opened often, sliding glass doors, and so on.
Reduce Watering
In the fall season, your mini plants will start reducing their need for water.
That's why you want to help them with the transition to winter by gradually reducing the amount of water you give them. This gradual reduction will mimic the natural water reduction the plants would experience outdoors.
A reduction in watering is not always necessary for plants that flower in the winter – Mini Cyclamens are an example. On the other hand, mini plants like Aloe, Crispy Wave, Christmas Cactus, and Spring Cactus, go dormant in the winter and will need some extra attention to prepare for winter.
Fertilize Less Frequently
Whether or not you continue to use fertilizer during the fall will depend on the plant.
For mini plants that continue to flower after the fall season like Cyclamens, make sure you are using nutrient-rich fertilizer that will keep the plants healthy despite the winter weather.
If the plant is going to enter its dormant stage, then you will need to change the way you use fertilizer. Just as you will reduce their water intake, you will want to slow down (or stop) your feeding routine for mini Aloe, mini Crispy Wave, mini Orchids, mini Christmas Cactus, and mini Spring Cactus.
Always go gradually, as suddenly stopping fertilizer or even drastically reducing it without a gradual process can be a shock to the plant's system.
Stay Away From Heaters and Fireplaces
If you are planning to turn on a heating system, spark up the fireplace, or use portable heaters, you need to make sure your plants won't be placed anywhere near.
Excessive heat can be devastating to mini plants – you will need to counteract the effects of heaters, fireplaces, and heating systems as much as possible to prevent your plants from drying out.
Moisture-loving mini plants like Anthurium, Crispy Wave, Frosty Fern, Pilea, Poinsettia, and Christmas Cactus, will tend to dry out due to increasing heat levels – mist them regularly, use a humidifier or set a humidity tray.
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