October means shorter days, cooler nights, and a smooth pivot to indoor life for your plants. If you’re new to autumn houseplant care, use this friendly, step-by-step plan to bring plants indoors, run quick pest checks, do light pruning, and shift to reduced watering.
The 50°F rule: when to move plants inside
Night lows near 50°F (10°C) are your cue. Most tropical houseplants get stressed below that, and a sudden cold snap can cause leaf drop.
Quick October move-in checklist
- ●Hose off foliage outdoors; let dry fully.
- ●Pest checks: look under leaves, along stems, and soil surface for mites, mealybugs, scale, aphids, and fungus gnats.
- ●Light pruning: remove yellowed, damaged, or crossing growth; avoid heavy pruning now.
- ●Clean pots and saucers; scrub mineral crusts.
- ●Top-dress if needed: add 1–2 cm fresh mix; hold repots unless rootbound.
- ●Transition light: stage plants near brightest windows; rotate weekly.
- ●Shift to reduced watering: check soil before watering; expect longer intervals.
- ●Quarantine newcomers or recent outdoor plants for 2 weeks.
Pro tips
- ●Bring in the thirstiest and most cold-sensitive plants first (e.g., pothos, philodendron, calatheas, hoyas, ferns).
- ●Do pest treatment outdoors if possible to avoid residues inside.
- ●Water the day before moving; slightly moist soil travels better and kicks up less dust.
How to do effective pest checks (in 5 minutes)
- ●Bright light + magnifier: scan undersides for stippling (mites), cottony tufts (mealybugs), shell-like bumps (scale), or honeydew.
- ●Soil surface: disturb the top 2 cm; if gnats fly up, you have adults. Sticky traps confirm.
- ●Wipe and treat: use a damp cloth + a drop of mild soap for small spots; follow with neem or horticultural oil on an overcast day.
- ●Rinse and dry: let leaves dry before bringing inside to prevent mildew.
Light pruning that helps, not hurts
- ●Snip spent flower stalks and leggy tips just above a node.
- ●Remove any leaf with 50%+ damage.
- ●Avoid big chops—save shaping for late winter when growth resumes.
Reduced watering: what changes in autumn
Cooler rooms and shorter days slow growth and evaporation.
- ●Check first: water only when the top 2–5 cm are dry (or deeper for succulents).
- ●Expect intervals to stretch by 25–50% versus summer.
- ●Use room-temperature water; drain thoroughly.
- ●Skip fertilizer until late winter unless a plant is actively growing.
Simple schedule cues
- ●Tropical foliage (pothos, monstera): water when top 2–3 cm are dry.
- ●Ficus, rubber tree: let the top 3–5 cm dry.
- ●Hoyas, succulents: let at least the top half dry.
Placement: light, humidity, airflow
- ●Light: south or west windows are prime in October; clean glass and pull sheer curtains only if leaves scorch.
- ●Humidity: aim for 40–50%. Group plants or use a small humidifier near radiators.
- ●Airflow: gentle circulation prevents fungus; avoid cold drafts and heater blasts.
Two-week quarantine plan (worth it!)
- ●Park recent outdoor plants away from your main collection.
- ●Re-check for pests on days 3, 7, and 14; refresh sticky traps.
- ●If clean after two weeks, merge with your regular display.
Fast fixes to common October problems
- ●Sudden leaf drop after the move: likely light drop or cold shock. Increase light and avoid overwatering.
- ●Tiny webs or stippling: spider mites. Rinse foliage, wipe leaves, treat with oil weekly x3.
- ●Fungus gnats: let soil dry more; use sticky traps; add a 1–2 cm top layer of sand or leca.
- ●Yellow lower leaves: normal adjustment or overwatering. Check roots and watering cadence.
One-week move-in checklist
- ●Day 0: Rinse plants, inspect, light prune, treat pests if found.
- ●Day 1: Bring inside before night hits 50°F; place in brightest spots.
- ●Day 3: Check soil moisture; do not water by habit; re-inspect for pests.
- ●Day 5: Rotate plants; remove any fallen leaves; refresh air flow.
- ●Day 7: Adjust placements based on light; start regular (reduced) watering cadence.
First-month care checklist
- ●Weekly: rotate, dust leaves, inspect for pests.
- ●Biweekly: water only when the plant asks; empty saucers promptly.
- ●End of month: top-dress where needed; review light as days shorten.
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Ready to bring your plants indoors with confidence? Start your October checklist today and enjoy a healthy, cozy indoor jungle all autumn.
