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2024-10-06

Autumn care for potted plants

Hey, plant lovers!

Autumn is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get our beloved potted plants ready for the colder weather. 🍁🌱 The summer has been beautiful and sunny, but unfortunately those warm rays that our green treasures love so much are slowly fading away. 😥 Fortunately, we can take care of our plants so that autumn and winter pass without too much trouble for them! 🌿 Today I'm going to share with you some super simple tips on how to give your plants what they need this season. Ready? Let's get started! 💚

1. Less water, more observation 🌧️

One of the biggest mistakes that can be made in autumn is over-watering. In winter and autumn, plants enter a state of dormancy - their growth is slowed down and their need for water decreases. It is therefore crucial to limit watering. Instead of watering your plants on a schedule, try checking the soil moisture first. 👇

Insert your finger into the pot 2-3 cm deep. If the soil is dry - water, and if it is still wet, wait a few days. A good rule of thumb is that it is always better to slightly dry the soil than to overwater it. 🍶

2. Ensure adequate light ☀️💡

As we all know, the days are getting shorter and shorter, and that means less natural light. Plants that have hitherto bathed in sunshine may start to long for more light. 😩 It is therefore a good idea to move them closer to the windows, but remember to avoid draughts! 🌬️

If your flat doesn't have enough bright spots, you can invest in special lamps for plants. LED fluorescent lights are a super choice because they are energy efficient and don't get too hot, so you don't have to worry about burning your plants. 💡🌿

3. Stop fertilising! 🛑🍂

During the autumn/winter season, plants have a much lower nutrient requirement. In practice, this means that we can put off fertilisers for a while. If you are in the habit of feeding your plants regularly, now is the time to take a break.

An exception can be made for plants that flower in winter, such as clodhopper or African violet. In their case, gentle fertilisation may be necessary, but definitely in smaller doses than in summer. 🥀🌺

4. Keep an eye on the humidity 🌬️💦

During the heating season, the humidity in our homes drops, which can be a problem for many plants. Tropical ones in particular, such as monstera, allocasia and ferns, can start to suffer from dry air. What can you do?

A simple trick is to set up a humidifier near your plants or place them on a stand with water and pebbles. You can also spray their leaves regularly with water, but remember to do this in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before night - this prevents fungal diseases. You can also purchase soil droppers - a cheap and easy solution. 🌧️✨

5. plant health check 🕵️‍♀️

Autumn is the perfect time to review the health of your plants. Check for any signs of disease, pests or wilted leaves. 🌿🍂 Now that the plants are starting to go into dormancy, it is a good idea to trim back any withered or yellowed leaves, which can provide the perfect place for uninvited guests such as spider mites and mealybugs.

Also remember to check the pots and root system carefully. If you notice that the roots are starting to come out through the drainage holes, it may be time to repot the plant into a slightly larger pot.

6. Time to rest - for the plants and for you 🌙💤

Remember that autumn and winter is the natural resting period for most plants. Don't be alarmed if you notice your plants stop growing as quickly as they did in summer - this is perfectly normal! 🌱 With the right care, your plants will calmly survive these months to burst into full life again in spring. 🌸

You too can take this time to slow down, enjoy the warm evenings with tea and focus on enjoying the tranquillity that autumn brings. 💛🍵

I hope these tips will help you prepare your plants for the coming season! Remember that every plant is different, so observe them and tailor your care to their needs. An easy way to do this, of course, is to ask "Uncle Google" about a particular plant and its care in autumn - that way you will end up with precise information!

And what are your favourite plants that need more attention in autumn? Let us know in the comments! 😊🌿

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