The Impact of Fall on Our Indoor Plants: An Autumnal Perspective
Greetings, Plantiful community!
As we anticipate the stunning canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges that the Western North Carolina (WNC) autumn paints for us every year, there's a subtle shift happening not just outdoors but inside our homes, too. Fall, with its unique charm, brings changes and challenges that deeply impact our indoor plants. Let's dive into the essence of this season and understand its influence.
1. Reduced Light Intensity
One of the most notable shifts of the fall season is the reduction in daylight hours—goodbye 8pm sunset walks :( . The angle of the sun changes as our axis tilts away from the sun, leading to diminished light intensity indoors. For our indoor plants, this will mean slower growth rates and the need for adjustment (hello grow lights!) to prevent stretching or etiolation. Etiolation happens when a plant isn’t receiving enough light and will send thin and leggy stemmed leaves to reach as close to the light as they can.
2. Temperature Drops
In WNC, we're no strangers to the dramatic temperature shifts that fall can bring. Cold mornings can swiftly transition into warm afternoons, leaving us to shed many layers in between. This temperature variance can affect our indoor plants’ metabolic processes, sometimes causing slowed growth or even dormancy in some species. It is vital to get your plants cleaned and inside before temperatures drop into the mid- to low- fifties consistently.
3. Less Humidity
As the chilly winds of fall start to howl and whip, the humidity levels both outside and inside our homes begin to decrease. Many tropical indoor plants, which thrive on higher humidity, may start showing signs of stress like brown leaf tips or decreased lushness. Creating a. closed space where one can adjust the humidity levels during winter is a great idea! Contact us for more info on this custom project.
4. Preparing for Dormancy
Several indoor plants reduce their growth rate or enter a dormancy phase during the cooler months. Fall acts as a precursor to this. You will see that your plants need less water and will not grow as vigorously. This is a natural process of conservation. Don’t worry, your plants will bouncy back in the spring!
5. Fertilization Breaks
With fall approaching, many indoor plants benefit from a reduction or complete halt in fertilization. This is because growth slows as they enter their dormancy state, therefore their nutrient requirements decrease. Over-fertilization during this time can be harmful and burn the roots of the plant, damaging it in the long run.
6. Indoor-Outdoor Transitions (Winterization)
For those who move certain houseplants outdoors during summer, fall becomes a critical time for transition. As plants are brought indoors, they experience a change in their environment, which can sometimes lead to leaf drop or stress. Proper acclimatization can help mitigate these effects, and our ‘nourish.’ kelp foliar spray can help ease stress during these transitions.
7. New Growth Opportunities
Interestingly, while many plants slow down, certain indoor plants view fall as an opportunity for quick growth. Cacti and some succulents, for instance, prefer cooler nights and can display growth spurts or even bloom during this time. We welcome the fall foliage vibrancy ‘round these parts!
Conclusion
Fall, with its serene beauty, is a time of change, reflection, and adjustment. For our beloved indoor plants, this season is no different. By understanding the nuances of this transition, we, the passionate plant caregivers of Asheville, can ensure our green companions continue to thrive, setting the stage for their winter journey.
Stay rooted and revel in the autumnal magic!
With leafy love,
Kristina
Plant Enthusiast
Owner, Plantiful
