Caring for Your House Plants in Autumn

As autumn sets in and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to adjust how you care for your house plants. With fewer hours of daylight and the start of indoor heating, your plants’ needs will change. But why is an insect repellent company like incognito®  talking about house plants? Because at incognito, we’re passionate about looking after our natural world and helping people stay connected with nature—even indoors. Here’s a guide to ensuring your house plants thrive throughout the autumn months.

Adjusting Watering Routines

One of the most common mistakes people make with their house plants in autumn is overwatering. As temperatures drop and plants enter a slower growth phase, they require less water. Overwatering during this time can lead to root rot, especially in succulents and other plants that thrive in drier conditions.

• Tip: Check the soil before watering. If the top inch feels dry, then it’s time to water. For plants like cacti and succulents, allow the soil to dry out even more between waterings.

Maximizing Light Exposure

With shorter days and weaker sunlight, your plants might not be getting as much light as they did in the summer. If you notice your plants looking leggy or stretching toward the light, they could be struggling with the lower light levels.

• Tip: Move your plants closer to windows where they can get the most light. South-facing windows are ideal, but avoid placing plants in drafty areas. If natural light is limited, consider investing in a grow light to supplement.

Humidity and Temperature Considerations

Indoor heating can dry out the air, which isn’t ideal for many house plants, especially tropical varieties like ferns or orchids that thrive in humid conditions. Dry air can cause leaves to turn brown at the edges or even fall off.

• Tip: Increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or setting them on trays filled with water and pebbles. Keeping plants grouped together can also help maintain humidity levels.

Pruning and Repotting

Autumn is a good time to trim back any dead or yellowing leaves and make sure your plants are in the best possible condition going into the winter months. However, repotting should only be done if absolutely necessary, as many plants are starting to go dormant and won’t appreciate the disturbance.

• Tip: Prune sparingly, only removing dead or damaged foliage. If a plant is root-bound, wait until spring to repot it when it's ready to grow again.

Why House Plants Matter to Us

At incognito, we believe in living harmoniously with nature as sustainability is at the heart of every business decision we make. Even as the temperatures drop and the outdoors become less accessible, house plants offer a way to keep nature in your home. By caring for your plants, you’re not just maintaining greenery but also contributing to better indoor air quality and a calming environment.