Preparing Your Plants for Cooler Weather
By Maddy Hogan
As the warm, sun-filled days of summer fade into the cooler months of autumn and winter, it's crucial to turn your attention to the well-being of your indoor tropical houseplants. These lush and vibrant companions bring life and beauty to your home year-round, but they may need some special care as the seasons change. In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential steps Riza recommends you take to ensure your tropical houseplants thrive during the cooler months.
Assess Your Indoor Tropical Plants
Before diving into preparations, take a close look at your indoor tropical houseplants. Check for signs of stress (reference last month’s blog on what to do if your plant is showing symptoms of stress), such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or pest infestations. Identifying any issues early on will allow you to address them before the colder weather sets in.
Clean and Inspect
Thoroughly clean the leaves of your plants to remove dust and debris. This not only improves their appearance, but also helps them breathe better. Take this opportunity to inspect the plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Isolate any affected plants to prevent the issue from spreading.
Adjust Watering Routine
Indoor houseplants often require less water during the cooler months due to reduced light and lower temperatures. Be mindful not to overwater and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plants with cold water. During cooler months with less daylight hours and weaker sun rays, we recommend moving your plants closer to windows to absorb as much natural light as they can. The changes in light will also impact how long it takes your indoor houseplants soil to dry out, so be sure to always inspect before watering.
Monitor Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for tropical houseplants, especially when indoor heating systems can dry out the air. Increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly, placing a tray of water with pebbles nearby, or using a humidifier. Avoid placing your plants near drafty windows and doors, fireplaces, or furnace vents as these can impact the humidity and temperature control of the plant and soil moisture.
Reduce Fertilizing
During the cooler months, indoor tropical plants typically experience slower growth. At Riza we recommend pulling back on fertilization until the spring when they resume active growth. Over-fertilizing during this period can harm the plants, unless your plant is recently repotted or is showing signs of distress and needing some TLC, then we would recommend light fertilizing to ensure your plants are getting just what they need during the transition.
Temperature Considerations
Most indoor tropical houseplants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. As previously mentioned, avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plants. If necessary, provide a gentle heat source to maintain a stable temperature.
Pruning and Grooming
Trim back any leggy or overgrown growth to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new, bushy growth. Removing dead or yellowing leaves also helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Pest Prevention
Keep a close eye on your indoor houseplants for signs of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Regularly inspect and treat any infestations promptly with appropriate natural or chemical remedies.
By following these steps, you can ensure your indoor tropical houseplants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the cooler months. With a little extra care and attention, your lush green companions will continue to thrive and brighten your home, even when the weather outside is chilly. So, embrace the changing seasons and take the time to care for your indoor tropical treasures as they provide beauty and tranquility all year round.
