As days shorten and rooms cool, November asks us to slow our houseplant care. Growth naturally eases, water needs drop, and pests can hitch a ride as plants come indoors. Here’s your clear, practical reset for autumn.
What November means for houseplants
- â—ŹGrowth slows or pauses. Expect fewer new leaves and slower root activity.
- â—ŹReduced watering is essential. Soil stays moist longer in cooler, dimmer conditions.
- â—ŹPause fertilizer. Save it for spring unless a plant is actively pushing growth under strong supplemental light.
- â—ŹLight weakens and shifts angle. Move plants closer to windows or increase reflectors/LEDs.
- ●Temperatures matter more. Aim for 60–75°F (16–24°C); avoid cold windowsills and heat vents.
Quick checklist for November
- ●Bring plants indoors if you still haven’t; inspect leaves, stems, and soil line as you do.
- â—ŹPerform weekly pest checks: underside of leaves, nodes, and fresh growth.
- â—ŹReduce watering frequency; confirm dryness below the top inch before adding water.
- â—ŹPrune lightly: dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing tissue only.
- â—ŹClean leaves with a damp cloth; remove dust to maximize weak autumn light.
- â—ŹRotate pots a quarter turn weekly to prevent lean.
- ●Add light: move closer to east/south windows or use a 10–12 hr grow light.
- â—ŹBoost humidity modestly (grouping, pebble trays); avoid constant misting.
- â—ŹSkip fertilizer until spring unless under high-intensity lighting.
- â—ŹHold repots unless roots are severely bound or rot is present.
Pro tip: Photograph each plant today and set a monthly reminder. You’ll spot subtle declines before they snowball.
Pruning in late autumn: how much and where
Light, sanitary pruning prevents disease and shapes plants for winter:
- â—ŹSterilize tools (70% isopropyl alcohol wipe).
- â—ŹRemove DDD wood (dead/damaged/diseased) back to healthy tissue.
- â—ŹThin congestion to improve airflow, but avoid heavy reshaping now.
- ●Make angled cuts just above a node; don’t leave long stubs.
What to prune now:
- ●Vining foliage (pothos, philodendron): tip trims to control length; save a few cuttings as “insurance.”
- â—ŹWoody house trees (ficus, schefflera): only DDD or crossing branches; major shaping waits for late winter/early spring.
- â—ŹSucculents/cacti: remove spent or mushy pads/stems; keep cuts dry and clean.
Avoid pruning buds on winter bloomers (holiday cactus, amaryllis) until after flowering.
Reduce watering safely (without guessing)
Use multiple signals before watering:
- ●Finger or chopstick test: insert 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm); water only if mostly dry.
- â—ŹPot weight: lift after a thorough water, then compare a week later.
- â—ŹMoisture meter: helpful, but always confirm with feel and weight.
Typical cadence in November: many tropical foliage plants shift from every 5–7 days to every 10–14 days; succulents may stretch to 3–4 weeks. Your room light, pot size, and soil mix can double or halve these numbers.
Pro tip: Water in the morning with room‑temperature water. Leaves and soil surfaces dry sooner, reducing fungus gnat pressure.
Pest checks after you bring plants indoors
- â—ŹInspect weekly with a flashlight: underside of leaves and at nodes. Look for webbing (spider mites), cottony tufts (mealybugs), sticky residue (scale), and warped new growth (thrips).
- ●Quarantine new or outdoor-returned plants for 2–3 weeks away from your main collection.
- â—ŹRinse leaves in the shower or wipe with a damp cloth. For persistent pests, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil per label directions.
- â—ŹSet yellow sticky cards at soil level to monitor gnats and thrips.
- ●Let the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry well between waterings to discourage fungus gnats.
Pro tip: Check where leaves meet the petiole and along midribs—pests hide in seams.
Light and temperature adjustments
- â—ŹPrioritize brightest windows: south and west (filtered if hot); east for gentler light.
- ●Pull plants 2–12 in (5–30 cm) closer to glass, but keep foliage off cold panes.
- ●Run grow lights 10–12 hours daily if your room is dim; keep LEDs 12–18 in (30–45 cm) above leaves.
- â—ŹKeep plants away from heaters and drafty doors. Use a simple thermometer to validate your microclimate.
Fertilizer: pause until spring
- â—ŹSkip feeding now; low light means nutrients go unused, increasing salt stress.
- ●Acceptable November nourishment: a thin top‑dress of worm castings or a fresh layer of fine bark to improve structure and microbe life—no heavy salts.
Humidity without fuss
- â—ŹGroup plants or use pebble trays with water below the pot base.
- ●Run a small humidifier to maintain 40–50% RH in very dry rooms.
- â—ŹAvoid constant misting; it raises leaf wetness, not room humidity, and can promote fungal spots.
Troubleshooting November signals
- â—ŹSudden leaf drop (ficus): temperature or light change; stabilize environment and hold watering.
- â—ŹYellowing lower leaves: likely overwatering in cool rooms; lengthen intervals and improve airflow.
- â—ŹBrown edges: low humidity or fertilizer salts; increase RH and flush soil thoroughly once, then pause feeding.
- â—ŹLeggy growth: insufficient light; move closer to windows or add LEDs.
- â—ŹFungus gnats: consistently damp topsoil; dry longer between waterings, add sticky cards, and consider a top layer of sand or fine gravel.
Mini care plans by plant type (November)
- ●Tropical foliage (pothos, philodendron, monstera): water every 10–14 days; bright, indirect light; light pruning only.
- ●Cacti and succulents: maximum light; water every 3–4 weeks; no fertilizer; ensure excellent drainage.
- ●Ficus and indoor trees: stable temps; rotate weekly; water when top 1–2 in are dry; avoid repotting.
- ●Holiday cactus and winter bloomers: bright light; cooler nights (55–65°F / 13–18°C) encourage buds; water when top 1 in is dry.
- â—ŹBulb-forcing (amaryllis, paperwhites): follow variety instructions; keep crowns above soil; bright window.
Feature Spotlight: VerdiVista
Meet your all-in-one plant co‑pilot. Snap a photo for instant Plant Identification and get tailored care notes. Health Diagnostics flags issues like spider mites, nutrient stress, or overwatering before they escalate. Chat with our AI Expert for quick, context‑aware solutions anytime. Build a Virtual Garden to track light, watering, and growth over months. Smart Water & Fertilize Reminders learn your rooms and adjust schedules seasonally, so November’s reduced watering is effortless. Download VerdiVista on iOS and Android and grow with confidence.
November pro tips
- â—ŹDusted leaves photosynthesize better; clean monthly.
- ●Use saucers as “training wheels,” not a pool—empty standing water after 10 minutes.
- â—ŹCache smaller pots inside decorative covers to buffer temperature swings.
- â—ŹRecord when you watered and how much; patterns beat guesses.
Ready to reset? Do the checklist today, snap a before photo, and try two changes this week. If you want a hand, open VerdiVista and let the app tailor your November plan.
