Tuesday Tips: Prepping for Fall—The Gentle Plant Pivot

Because even your Monstera feels the seasonal shift.

Author

John Harrison
August 05, 2025

In partnership with

Let’s get one thing clear: your indoor plants know the seasons are changing. Maybe they’re not pulling out scarves and sipping cinnamon tea, but they’re absolutely responding to shorter days, cooler temps, and lower light.

This isn’t about forcing dormancy. It’s about supporting a soft slowdown. So this Tuesday, we’re walking you through the autumn adjustment—because your leafy companions deserve a cozy, conscious transition.

Less Sun, Less Sips: Adjust Your Watering Routine

Fall means slower growth—and that means your once-thirsty plants aren’t quite as needy anymore.

Too much water in fall = soggy roots and sad leaves.

Here’s your new mantra:
Check the soil before reaching for the watering can. If the top 2 inches are still damp? Back away slowly.

Pro Tip: Switch to morning waterings. It gives excess moisture time to evaporate, reducing the risk of mold and rot as the days cool.

Fertilizer Fast: Time to Take a Break

Think of fall like your plant’s pre-hibernation stretch. It’s slowing down, not trying to bulk up.

Fertilizing now? It’s like handing your friend an energy drink right before bed.

Let your plant ease into its rest phase without any added pressure. You can resume gentle feeding when signs of spring growth return.

Pro Tip:
Rotate your plant weekly to keep it growing evenly and avoid the “leaning tower of Aloe” look.

Chase the Light: Rotate and Reposition

Your sunniest summer windows might be shadows by mid-October.

Start scouting your space like a light detective. Notice where the sun actually lands now—and give your plants front-row seats.

Pro Tip:
South and west-facing windows typically hold the most winter sun. And don’t forget to rotate your plant a quarter turn every week for even growth.

Dust Happens: Clean Those Leaves

With windows closed and airflow reduced, dust builds up fast. And a dusty leaf is like a dirty solar panel—less efficient at converting light into energy.

So grab a damp cloth and give your plants a gentle wipe-down. It’s self-care for them and for your aesthetic.

Pro Tip:
Use lukewarm water and skip the leaf shine products. A microfiber cloth or soft sponge will do wonders.

Fall Invaders: Check for Pests

Cooler temps = cozy corners. And unfortunately, pests love cozy corners just as much as we do.

Spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats can thrive indoors as plants weaken. Check leaf undersides, stems, and the top layer of soil during your regular watering or cleaning routine.

Pro Tip:
Add a sticky trap near vulnerable plants or introduce beneficial nematodes to tackle gnats naturally. Prevention > cure.

Final Thought: Sweater Weather, Plant Edition

Transitioning your plants for fall isn’t about shutting them down—it’s about setting them up. You’re not saying goodbye to growth, just encouraging rest, resilience, and rhythm.

Just like we swap tank tops for cardigans, your plants need a wardrobe shift in care. It’s the same plant, just a new season.

Want to Share Your Fall Refresh?

We’d love to see your cozy plant corners, sunny window reshuffles, and dusted-off beauties. Tag us @PlantMyPlants using #TuesdayTips.

Let’s help our plants slide into fall with grace, glow, and just the right amount of hygge.

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

— F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Until next week, plant fam—
Stay cozy, stay curious, and always stay rooted.

-The PlantmyPlants Team
Instagram @PlantMyPlants | Facebook

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