7 Plant Care Tips for Autumn

Essential Autumn Plant Care Tips for Thriving Indoor Greenery

As Australia transitions into the golden hues of autumn, our indoor plants require a shift in care to adapt to the cooler temperatures and changing daylight patterns. With the right adjustments, you can help your leafy companions not just survive but thrive during this seasonal change.

Here are seven expert-recommended plant care tips to keep your indoor greenery healthy as we embrace autumn.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

With shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, plants enter a period of reduced growth, meaning they require less water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and attract pests such as fungus gnats. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings and ensure your pots have proper drainage.

Pro Tip:

Use a moisture meter or simply insert your finger into the soil to check for dryness before watering.

2. Stay Vigilant Against Pests

As temperatures drop, pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and fungus gnats may seek refuge in your warm indoor environment. Regularly inspect both foliage and soil for signs of infestation and take preventive measures.

Natural Pest Control Methods:

  • Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat infested plants.

  • Introduce sticky traps to catch flying pests.

  • Isolate affected plants to prevent further spread.

3. Last Call for Repotting

Autumn is your final opportunity to repot plants before they enter dormancy. If your plant is rootbound or showing slow growth despite proper care, consider upgrading to a slightly larger pot with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting:

  • Roots are circling the bottom of the pot.

  • Water drains too quickly, indicating compacted soil.

  • Growth has slowed significantly despite optimal conditions.

4. Adjust Your Fertilizer Schedule

As growth slows, plants require fewer nutrients. Reduce the frequency of fertilization or switch to a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to support root and leaf health without stimulating excessive growth.

Fertilizing Tips:

  • Cut back feeding to once every 4–6 weeks.

  • Opt for an organic liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

5. Monitor Light Changes & Reposition Plants

With the seasonal shift, sunlight angles change, affecting indoor light conditions. Pay attention to how light enters your space and adjust plant placement accordingly.

Maximizing Autumn Light:

  • Move light-loving plants closer to south-facing windows.

  • Rotate plants weekly to ensure even exposure.

  • Consider supplementing with a grow light if necessary.

6. Maintain Humidity Levels

Indoor heating can cause dry air, which negatively impacts tropical plants. To maintain adequate humidity:

  • Group plants together to create a microclimate.

  • Use a humidifier in particularly dry rooms.

  • Place a shallow tray of water and pebbles near plants to naturally increase humidity.

7. Prune and Tidy Up

Autumn is the perfect time to trim dead or yellowing leaves, remove spent flowers, and tidy up leggy growth. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also promotes air circulation and prevents disease.

Pruning Do’s & Don’ts:

✔ Use sharp, clean shears to make precise cuts. ✔ Trim damaged or diseased leaves at the base. ✘ Avoid heavy pruning, as plants need their foliage to photosynthesize efficiently.

 

By following these expert-backed autumn plant care tips, your indoor jungle will remain lush and healthy throughout the season. With minor adjustments in watering, pest control, light exposure, and humidity maintenance, you can ensure your plants continue to thrive despite the seasonal shift.

Embrace the beauty of autumn and enjoy the serenity of a well-maintained indoor oasis!