Find out what to do in fall for your houseplants. Discover if you should be fertilizing in the fall and why you want to groom and clean your houseplants at this time of year. See time stamps below.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we’re going to talk about fall gardening chores. These tasks are ideal to complete during fall—assuming it’s currently fall where you are. We will also be producing videos for all four seasons so you can check what tasks are best for your plants at any given time. Links will be available below when each seasonal guide is published.
1. Check for Pests
Checking for pests is something you should always do, but it’s especially important in fall. As winter approaches, many of us heat our homes, creating a warm environment where pests can easily proliferate. We also tend to bring in less outdoor air during winter, which normally helps keep pests under control.
Inspect your plants carefully. Use a magnifying glass if needed to check any suspicious spots on leaves. Look for movement or anything that appears foreign on the foliage.
2. Groom the Plant
Once pests are ruled out, groom the plant. Grooming improves the plant’s appearance and helps prevent pests such as mealybugs and scale, both of which thrive in cooler seasons. Remove any dying or yellowing foliage, as these leaves attract pests.
3. Give the Plant a Rinse
After grooming, give your plant a gentle shower.
Small plants: rinse them in the sink using a hand sprayer.
Large plants: place them in the shower and gently rinse them off.
You can also wash them with insecticidal soap before rinsing. If outdoor temperatures allow (no colder than 50–55°F), a natural rainfall can also be beneficial, as rainwater is excellent for plants.
4. Repotting in Fall
If it’s early-to-mid fall, you can still repot. By mid-October, you’re nearing the cutoff. If your climate gets cold quickly, skip repotting and instead top-dress the plant.
Top-dressing means adding compost or worm castings to the surface of the soil to provide nutrients without disturbing roots.
Repotting should not be done in winter, as plants are in a dormant or slow-growth phase.
5. Fertilizing
Fertilize for the last time in late fall (generally through November). Do not fertilize during winter when growth slows significantly. Use an organic houseplant fertilizer for the final fall feeding. Resume fertilizing in late winter or early spring.
These simple fall chores will help keep your houseplants healthy and thriving through the colder months.
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Fall Houseplant Care FAQ
Why is fall an important time to check houseplants for pests?
As homes warm up in fall and winter, pests like mealybugs and scale reproduce more quickly. Less fresh outdoor air enters the home, making infestations more likely.
How do I properly groom my houseplants in fall?
Remove yellowing, dying, or discolored leaves to improve appearance and reduce pest attraction. Grooming also helps you detect early problems.
Should I rinse or shower my plants during fall?
Yes. Rinsing plants helps remove dust and pests. Small plants can be rinsed in the sink, while larger ones can be placed in the shower. Avoid letting soil wash away by tilting the pot or covering the soil.
Can I repot houseplants in the fall?
Repotting is fine early in fall, but by mid-October it may be too late in colder climates. If you miss the window, top-dress with compost instead of repotting.
Should I fertilize plants during fall?
You can fertilize through late fall, but stop during winter when growth slows. Resume fertilizing in late winter or early spring.
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