Stop Doing This to Your Houseplants in the Fall—They’ll Thank You Later

Houseplants require more water in summer because they are actively growing and have more access to sunlight and warmer temperatures. But continuing this watering schedule into fall can ruin the health of your houseplants. During autumn, colder temperatures, limited sunlight, and reduced evaporation (due to the cold and lack of light) mean houseplants rely less on daily or even weekly waterings as they enter dormancy. Ahead, we share expert tips on how to adjust your watering routine so your houseplants stay healthy throughout the cold-weather seasons. 

Why You Should Water Less in the Fall

Houseplants naturally require less water as the days become shorter and the abundant summer sunlight slips away. According to gardening expert Megan Brame, your houseplants are already preparing to be watered less during the winter, so cutting back hydration in the fall won't be as big a strain as you might think. She notes that most plants, including houseplants, take the winter off to save new growth for spring.

Houseplants slow down and embrace the darker days of hibernation, using far less energy and, therefore, far less water. "Reducing watering is critical to avoid one of the number one plant heartbreaks I hear about this time of year—root rot," says Shayla Owodunni, certified master gardener and founder and plant stylist of The Plant Penthouse.

Signs It’s Time to Cut Back on Watering

If you notice these problems, it’s time to reduce watering for the season.

Damp Soil

Touching the soil will be the clearest indicator that your houseplants need less water. "You’ll notice that the soil stays damp for much longer than it did in the summer," says Owodunni. For example, if you’re used to watering every seven days, during this time of year, you might check on your plants and find the soil is still quite moist a week later. "This is your cue to let go of your watering gusto and wait longer between check-ins," she says.

Yellow Leaves

Your houseplants will tell you when they're ready for reduced moisture. "If you notice leaves are turning yellow or stems are feeling mushy near the soil, this can be your stop sign to hit the watering brakes for this new season," says Owodunni.

However, don’t confuse these signs with the opposite extreme—too little water. If you notice that the leaves of your plant feel crispy or the plant itself is drooping, lack of water may be the culprit, says Brame. "Your plant will tell you when it's thirsty, saving you time, effort, and water, too," she says.

How to Adjust Your Watering Routine

Replace rigid summer watering schedules with a check-in routine mentality. "All you have to do is stick the first knuckle or so of a finger into the soil and pull out." If there are specks of dirt on your skin, that’s a good sign your plant is okay. "But if it comes back clean, there’s not enough moisture to cling to something soft and malleable like your skin, so it's time to water," says Brame. And if you are still unsure, Owodunni recommends using a moisture meter to confirm when your plants need a drink. 

Plants That Need the Biggest Watering Changes

Succulents and cacti need the most drastic change. After all, these are desert plants, which have adapted to survive the harsh, rainless, and frigid winters of desert landscapes. "I have put many a succulent on the express train to plant heaven due to a heavy watering hand," Owodunni cautions. "With these houseplants, there truly is such a thing as too much love."

Fast-growing tropical plants will also require less water as they turn dormant. "Think Monsteras, Pothos, and Philodendron varieties," says Owodunni. "These usually see a significant reduction in watering required." Don’t be dismayed if the once rapid growth you experienced with these plants comes to a halt, she adds. "Watering frequency is season-dependent, so I recommend making the mental preparation to adjust."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watering in Fall

Avoid these mistakes to help your houseplants thrive in fall and winter.

Frequent, Shallow Waterings

It's best to water your plants deeply and infrequently, rather than shallow waterings every day or so. "You reduce the risk of overwatering your plants, which is a major cause of root rot, and will notice fewer trips to the spigot throughout the week," Brame says. 

Sticking to a Summer Watering Schedule

The biggest mistake people make with houseplants in the fall is sticking to a summer watering schedule out of sheer habit. "Houseplants simply can’t, and surely won’t, use that much water anymore," says Owodunni. The excess water starves the roots of oxygen and is a fast track to fungal issues and root rot, she adds.

Watering When the Air Feels Dry

Another mistake is watering more because the air in your home feels dry. Dry air won’t impact your dormant houseplants as they sleep and prepare for spring and summer growth, says Owodunni. "Remember, plant growth is seasonal, and right now, they're entering a season of rest—and we should too," she adds.