And just like that – the southern hemisphere is in autumn. As the seasons change, we humans shift with it and its new patterns: light filtering into rooms and angles differently, morning breeze feeling crispier, outdoor leaves changing colours, and a weekend arvo spent retiring summer linens and digging out the cosy knits and starchy denims. Turns out, as we’re noting seasonal changes and adapting with them, our houseplants are, too.
Changes in seasons come with changes to our plants and their various needs. While signs will differ with plant types, here’s a general FYI on what to look out for and keep in mind.
Where the light hits
The amount and intensity of sunlight changes with the seasons as Earth’s tilted axis shifts while orbiting the Sun. You’ll notice this change in your day to day where sunlight will filter through to your indoor spaces differently than it did in summer. Some areas will become intense and others less so.
Pay attention to where light hits at various times of the day in autumn as you may have to switch up your plant’s location from where it was in summer. To know your plant type’s preference for light, check our care guides in the app. Your Willow Sensor will also keep tabs on light exposure throughout the day and chime in if it needs changing.
Watering needs
Put down that watering can! Not for good, but ease up a little, especially if you are guilty of showing your love for your plant with an onslaught of overwatering (no shade, we’ve done it too). Light intensity affects soil moisture levels. With summer’s intense light, soil dries up quicker and more water is needed for plants to stay hydrated. As temps cool and the light intensity changes, you’ll need to water less.
Always check the soil and familiarise yourself with the soil moisture levels your plant type prefers. Or, ya know, let Willow handle it.
Growth patterns
Like their outdoor counterparts, indoor plants will respond to seasonal light changes by adapting their growth patterns. Plants that flower may push out their last few blooms before packing it in for the season. Most plants will start to slow down their growth ahead of winter, and rest up and conserve energy over winter rather than wow you with new growth. It’s like winter hibernation prepping for bears, but for houseplants.
Event tracking in the app can help you see the bigger picture over time on how seasons affect your plants. You can log new growth, fallen foliage, and see patterns of behaviour emerging.
