UK households warned about overlooked step that's secretly hurting your plants

It’s not time to put away the watering can just yet – an expert has cautioned against missing out on this one important step to take care of your houseplants.

As the weather becomes nippier and the days get darker, it can be tempting to spend less time on our plants. However, there are actually many important jobs that need to be done once summer has ended.

Experts say that a major mistake houseplant-owners make is not switching to an autumn routine. Jo Lambell, CEO of Leaf Envy says: "Autumn is a crucial season for houseplants because it marks the beginning of their natural rest period. Many people forget that just like us, plants respond to environmental changes.

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"Small adjustments in care can mean the difference between a plant that survives winter and one that flourishes come spring."

So, how should you take care of your indoor plants this autumn? According to Connor Towning, lead horticulturist at Leaf Envy, the following practices are essential this season.

1. Light Management

Connor says: “With fewer daylight hours, move plants closer to windows or rotate them weekly to maximise light exposure. Consider a grow light if natural light is limited.”

2. Watering Adjustments

“Reduce watering frequency as growth slows, but avoid letting soil dry out completely,” Connor advises. “Always check the top inch of soil before watering.”

3. Humidity Boosts

According to Connor: “Central heating can dry out the air, so mist plants lightly or use a pebble tray to maintain moisture levels.”

4. Pause the Feed

"Fertiliser should be dialled back or paused entirely during autumn, as most plants enter a semi-dormant state," Connor explains. "Feeding during this time can overwhelm their slowed growth cycles and lead to root stress."

Connor added: "A common mistake is to continue with a summer care routine. During autumn, plants don’t require as much water or fertiliser, and they benefit hugely from added humidity."

Extra tips for autumn

Leaf Envy also shared some extra tips to keep your houseplants in top shape during autumn. According to the plant experts, it's important to rotate plants seasonally within your home.

They advise: "Move species like Calatheas, Ferns, Peace Lilies, and Monsteras into kitchens or bathrooms where humidity naturally runs higher. Fiddle Leaf Figs and Pothos also appreciate this extra moisture.

"Meanwhile, succulents, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Cacti are well suited to drier spots like living rooms, hallways, or home offices where they can tolerate fluctuating conditions and less frequent watering."

You should also remember to dust leaves regularly as it settles faster when heating systems kick in. They say: "A gentle wipe with a damp cloth every couple of weeks helps plants photosynthesise more effectively.

Last but not least, Leaf Envy recommend using Autumn’s harvest. According to the experts: "Save cooled, used herbal tea or boiled vegetable water (without salt) to feed plants, these natural nutrients can give them a subtle boost as they prepare for dormancy."