Here in Brighton, you can feel it in the air – the nights are drawing in, the light is changing, and autumn is just around the corner. While we're sad to see the end of summer, this is a crucial time of year for our indoor jungle.

Our houseplants are about to go through a big environmental shift, and a little bit of preparation now can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and beautiful right through the winter.

As the plant experts at Rooted & Co., here are our top five tips to help your houseplants gracefully transition from summer to autumn.

1. Let There Be Light (More of It!) The biggest change for your plants is the reduction in daylight hours and intensity. That sunny spot that was perfect in June might be too shady by October. Take a look at your plants, especially sun-lovers like succulents or a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Consider moving them a little closer to your brightest windows (south or west-facing are ideal) to help them soak up as much available light as possible. Don't forget to give your windows a good clean to let in every last ray!

2. Ease Up on the Watering As the light levels drop and temperatures cool, your plants' growth will naturally slow down. They enter a semi-dormant period and simply don't need as much water as they did during their summer growth spurt. The biggest mistake we see in autumn is overwatering! Before you water, check the soil by pushing your finger about two inches deep. If it's still damp, wait a few more days. For most plants, you'll find you can start extending the time between waterings.

3. Hold the Fertiliser Following on from the point above, because your plants aren't actively growing, they don't need extra food. You can stop fertilising most houseplants around the end of September and wait until next spring (around March/April) to start again. Feeding a dormant plant can do more harm than good, as the unused mineral salts can build up in the soil.

4. Check for Unwanted Guests If you moved any of your houseplants outside for the summer, now is the time to bring them back in. Before you do, give them a thorough pest check. Look under leaves and around the stems for any little critters like spider mites or aphids that might have hitched a ride. Wiping the leaves down with a damp cloth is a great way to clean them and check for pests at the same time.

5. Embrace the Humidity The moment we turn on our central heating, the air inside our homes becomes much drier. Tropical plants like Calatheas, Ferns, and Alocasias can suffer from this. You can easily boost the humidity around them by grouping your plants together (they create a lovely microclimate!), placing them on a pebble tray with water, or giving them a regular misting with a spray bottle.

We hope these tips help you prepare your indoor garden for the cosy season ahead. If you're ever unsure about a specific plant, please don't hesitate to pop into our shop in the Open Market – we're always here to help.

And if you need a hand getting your outdoor garden ready for autumn, our new Garden Care service is here to help with tidy-ups and planting!

Happy planting,