How to Transition Your Plants for Autumn

As summer fades into a golden memory and we cozy up for autumn, it’s not just our wardrobe that needs a refresh—our plant babies do too! Cooler temps, shorter days, and dry indoor air can throw your plants for a loop, but don’t worry, I’ve got the leafy lowdown on how to transition your plants for the cozy season ahead. Let’s make sure your plant babies thrive through autumn, *pumpkin spice vibes* and all.

1. Bring Your Outdoor Plants Back Inside
If your plants have been living their best life outdoors during the summer, it’s time for their great indoor migration! As nights get colder (temps below 50°F can be tough for most houseplants), bring them in before they catch a chill.

Make sure to:
Inspect for Pests: Give your plants a once-over to check for any hitchhikers like spider mites or aphids. Wipe down the leaves and check the soil to avoid any unexpected roommates indoors.
Acclimate Gradually: Like us, plants don’t love drastic changes. Bring them in for a few hours each day before fully moving them indoors to help them adjust to the indoor lighting and climate.

2. Adjust Your Watering Routine
Fall means less sunlight, which means your plants are slowing down their growth. Which also means they’re not as thirsty as they were in the summer!

Check Soil Moisture: Let the top inch or so of soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and we don’t want any mushy situations.
Increase Humidity: Indoor heating can dry out the air, and many plants (especially tropical ones) will start getting crispy edges. Try misting your plants or placing a humidifier nearby to keep them feeling fresh and dewy.

3. Light Changes = Lamp Time
As days get shorter, the lack of sunlight can be a real bummer—not just for us, but for our plants too. (You mean I'm not the only one that suffers from seasonal affective disorder?!)
Move Plants Closer to Windows: Maximize the amount of natural light they get by placing them near windows that get the most sunlight. Just be sure to avoid cold drafts!
Supplement with Grow Lights: If your space isn’t exactly a sun-soaked haven, a grow light can be your new BFF. They mimic the sun’s rays and give your plants the light boost they need to stay happy and thriving through the darker days.

4. Trim and Prune
Fall is the perfect time to give your plants a little haircut! 
Prune Dead or Dying Leaves: Your plants are slowing down for the season, so trimming back leggy or yellowing growth helps them conserve energy. Focus on removing dead or unhealthy leaves to keep them looking fresh.
Repot Only if Necessary: If your plant is root-bound (roots circling the pot), now’s a great time to repot into something a bit roomier before they go dormant. While I do prefer to do this in the spring, you want to ensure any plants that are root bound are given more space before moving into the next season. Unless that plant is a snake plant! They love to be snug, so leave them be!

5. Slow Down on Fertilizing
During the spring and summer, your plants are in full growth mode, but as they prepare for their rest period in the fall and winter, they don’t need as many nutrients.
Cut Back on Fertilizer: Ease up on the feeding—your plants aren’t trying to bulk up this season! A light fertilizer once a month, if any, will do the trick. And for most plants, especially if you have been feeding them through the summer, don't even do that. Most of my plants don't get fed at all from fall through winter unless they really show they need it (or they are those need SOBs - you know who you are!)
Save the Big Feeds for Spring: When your plants start waking up in the spring, that’s when you can go back to your regular feeding schedule.

6. Style with Fall Vibes
Why not give your plant babies a seasonal glow-up? Swap out their planters for warm-toned ceramics or baskets to match your fall décor.
Terracotta, Copper, and Mustard Hues: These earthy tones are perfect for cozy autumn vibes. I don't care how trendy mustard gets, it will always be a winning color in my book - especially for fall!
Add Fall-Themed Accessories: Decorate your plant shelves with small pumpkins, gourds, or fairy lights to give your space that warm, inviting fall energy.

7. Prepare for Dormancy
Some plants, like succulents and cacti, go dormant during the fall and winter. This means they’ll stop growing and require even less attention (yes, even less than usual!).
Leave Them Be: Don’t overwater or try to force growth during their rest period. They’ll perk up again when spring rolls around!
Keep Them in a Bright Spot: They still need light, so be sure to place them somewhere sunny, even though they’re in snooze mode.

Final Thoughts
Transitioning your plants for autumn doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s all about embracing the slower pace of the season and making sure your green friends stay cozy. With a few small tweaks to their care routine, your plant babies will keep thriving all the way through pumpkin spice season and beyond. 

Got any other fall plant care tips? Drop them in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @ChicPlantBoutique in your fall plant styling pics! We’d love to see how your plants are embracing the cozy fall vibes!