Hello, dear plant lovers! 🍂 As the air turns crisp and leaves don their golden hues, it's time to embrace the seasonal shift. If you're like me—a devout plant parent—you know our leafy friends need some prep to transition gracefully into fall. Let’s review 10 practical steps to refresh your indoor garden and adjust your plant care routine for a cozy autumn season.

1. Conduct a Fall Plant Audit 📝

Start by checking the health of your plants:

• Inspect for pests and diseases: Examine leaves, stems, and soil for any signs of trouble, especially if your plants have been outdoors during the summer. Treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading indoors.
• Assess growth patterns: Some plants may have outgrown their pots or need a good pruning. Fall is the perfect time to trim back leggy growth and refresh the plant’s shape to fit better in your indoor space.

2. Rotate and Relocate for Optimal Light ☀️

With the sun's angle changing, your plant placement needs adjustment:

• Move plants closer to windows: As daylight becomes shorter, bring light-loving plants closer to windows to maximize limited sunlight. South and west-facing windows often offer the best fall light.
• Rotate plants weekly: To encourage even growth, rotate pots regularly so that all sides receive equal light exposure. This helps prevent plants from leaning or becoming uneven.
• Rearrange your plant layout: With changing light patterns, consider moving plants around completely to make use of new spaces where the sun now reaches. This can also refresh the look of your room!

Short on natural light? Check out my curated list of top grow light bulbs that combine efficacy with style.

3. Adjust Watering Routines 💧

With reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures, plants generally require less water:

• Monitor soil moisture: Check soil moisture levels regularly and adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering, a common issue in fall and winter.
• Ensure proper drainage: Make sure pots have adequate drainage to avoid root rot, which can be exacerbated by reduced evaporation in cooler months.

4. Boost Humidity Levels 🌿

As indoor heating ramps up, humidity levels drop, which can stress your plants:

• Create a humidity microenvironment: Group plants together to naturally increase humidity through their collective transpiration.
• Use a humidifier and hygrometer: Consider investing in a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels (40-60% is ideal for most houseplants). A hygrometer helps you monitor indoor moisture levels accurately.

5. Deep Clean Your Plant Area 🧼

Dust and grime can block light absorption and hinder growth:

• Wipe down leaves: Use a damp cloth to gently clean the leaves, allowing them to better photosynthesize.
• Clean pots and trays: Don’t forget to clean the plant pots, trays, and surrounding areas to remove any accumulated dirt, leaf debris, or potential pest habitats.

6. Cozy Up Your Plant Space 🍁

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both you and your plants:

• Incorporate seasonal decor: Add warm-toned planters or mix pumpkins, gourds, and fall foliage into your plant displays for an autumnal touch.
• Add soft, ambient lighting: Highlight your plants with string lights or floor lamps to create a cozy vibe. Scented candles with botanical or earthy scents can also amplify a plant-loving atmosphere.

Check out my top picks for creating a hauntingly beautiful indoor garden this Halloween.

7. Add Fall-Foliage Plants 🌾

Introduce plants that embody the season’s colors and textures:

• Choose autumn-hued plants: Consider adding Croton, which has vibrant fall-colored leaves, or Calathea, with its rich, warm hues. These plants can add a burst of seasonal color to your collection.
• Decorate with seasonal themes: Use baskets, burlap wraps, or decorative pots that align with fall themes to make your plant displays stand out. Need more ideas? Check out these 40 fall decor ideas that celebrate the cozy season.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can incorporate houseplants into your Thanksgiving decorations, transforming your space into a green and vibrant sanctuary for Thanksgiving.

8. Update Your Plant Care Kit 🛠️

Prepare for the months ahead with a refreshed toolkit:

• Stock up on essentials: Ensure you have fresh pruning shears, misters, and quality soil mixes at hand.
• Plan for natural pest control: Consider natural and organic pest control options, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Being prepared can make a significant difference in managing potential pest problems.

Check out my guide on identifying the most common plant pests, how they damage your plants, and, most importantly, how to treat and prevent them.

9. Reconnect with Nature Outside 🍃

Balance your indoor gardening with outdoor inspiration:

• Collect natural decor: Gather fallen leaves, pinecones, or acorns during nature walks for creative, eco-friendly decorations around your plants.
• Practice "forest bathing": Embrace mindful practices like forest bathing to connect with nature, reduce stress, and recharge—beneficial for both you and your plant care routine!

10. Plan for Winter Ahead ❄️

Set yourself up for a successful winter season with some forward planning:

• Research new plant additions: Consider low-light or winter-blooming plants that thrive indoors during colder months, like the Christmas Cactus or ZZ Plant.
• Prepare a plant care guide for travel: If you're planning extended travel, create a care guide for whoever will be looking after your plants. Include watering schedules, light preferences, and any special instructions.

In Conclusion

To keep your indoor garden thriving this fall:

• Inspect and update plant health
• Adjust light, water, and humidity levels
• Add seasonal decor and foliage
• Plan and prepare for winter care

Embrace the fall season as an opportunity to refresh both your home and your plant care routine. Take this time to nurture your green space, and enjoy a cozy, plant-filled autumn! 🌿🍂