As fall sets in, plant-owners must give their plants extra care to see them through the coming cold months. Succulents are no exception. They require good care to stay healthy and vibrant during the autumn months.
Succulents are low-maintenance plants, which makes them perfect for busy plant-owners. However, they still need a little attention to make it through the fall. Let’s look at some tips on how to take care of succulents in autumn to ensure they stay healthy, vibrant, and well-nourished.
Be Mindful of Watering
First, adjust your succulents’ watering schedule to suit the weather conditions. The weather gets cooler during the fall, so the air tends to be less humid. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they don’t need much water during the chilly weather months. Therefore, reduce your watering during autumn to prevent oversaturation and root rot.
Keep an eye on the soil and wait till it’s completely dry before watering your succulents again. A good rule of thumb is to water them once a week during autumn.
Increase Light Intensity
Succulents are sun-loving plants, and direct sunlight becomes less frequent in autumn. This may lead to the dulling and yellowing of leaves, leading to an overall decline in the plant’s health. In light of this, incorporate additional light sources such as grow lights or move your succulents to a more brightly lit area. Putting all your succulents in a south-facing window or a well-lit room is recommended to get the most hours of sunlight.
Reduce Temperature Exposure
Succulents are heat-tolerant plants, and the cooler temperatures during autumn can quickly harm them. Therefore, keeping your plants away from drafty windows or doors is essential, particularly at night. The ideal temperatures for succulents in autumn are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature below 50 degrees can harm the plants. If the temperature is expected to drop below that, consider bringing your succulents indoors to keep them warm and comfortable.
Fertilize Sparingly
Fertilize your succulents only once every two months, or less frequently in autumn if the soil has abundant nutrients. Overfertilization during the cooler months can lead to excess salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the succulents. Choosing the right type of fertilizer is essential, especially for succulents. Using indoor plant food is the best option, as this fertilizer contains fewer salts than outdoor fertilizer.
Inspect for Pests
Finally, autumn is when some pests may be looking for homes in indoor plants, including succulents. Inspect your succulents regularly to prevent pest infestation, and remove any pests if they’re already present. The most common pests that invade succulents during autumn include mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Eliminating each of these pests requires a different approach. You can remove mealybugs by wiping the plants with alcohol, while you can get rid of spider mites by spraying the plants with organic insecticidal soap.
Succulents are fantastic plants to have, and with the right care, they can survive the chilly autumn months. The keys are to be mindful of their watering schedule, increase their available light, watch their temperature exposure, fertilize sparingly, and keep an eye out for pests. These five tips will ensure your succulents remain healthy, vibrant, and well-nourished throughout the autumn months. With extra care and attention, every succulent-owner can see their plants thrive throughout the chilly season.
