Attention plant people; autumn incoming. As the nights are drawing in, the temperatures are turning decidedly cool and there are more gorgeously coloured leaves adorning the pavements than the trees. We can’t deny that autumn is officially underway and we’re looking forward to transforming our houses into beautiful warm and glowing spaces to relax and enjoy the changing seasons.

Reds, oranges, yellows, purples and of course greens, we think you’ll agree that the stunning hues of autumn provide a beautiful tapestry of colour to inspire a seasonal home refresh. And there are plenty of beautiful house plants that mirror the gorgeous hues of autumn you’ll be seeing outside. So, this week, Team TLB are bringing you our top picks of autumn plants. Bring the outdoors in and dial up those cosy autumn vibes with these colourful, leafy beauties.

Keep reading to discover our top 5 indoor plants for autumn, handpicked by our team of green-fingered experts and we’re even throwing in some autumn plant care advice too.

Top 5 Autumn Houseplants from TLB

Here they are, our choice of the best autumn plants to help you accessorise your space into a cosy cocoon just in time for the colder weather.

1. 1. Croton Petra

The ultimate plant for a burst of autumnal colour! The Croton Petra is simply stunning and a fab choice for bringing a pop of colour to your interior jungle. Their gorgeous patterned leaves boast bursts of orange and yellow against the vibrant green. It is a real treat for the eyes and the perfect plant to bring an autumnal colour palette into your home. The vibrant colours can take centre stage because the choices of decorative pots are all pleasingly neutral. Choose between a bespoke stoneware in almond, charcoal or grey or our signature belly basket.

These colourful beauties are oh-so-easy to care for too. Find them a nice bright spot, give them a good drink when the top layer of soil has dried out. Also mist them regularly as they love humidity. For more info about Croton care, check out our handy care guide.

 

2. Tradescantia Zebrina

You’ll go wild for this fabulous houseplant with his zebra-like stripy leaves in a gorgeous purple and silver hue. This trailing beauty is available in our classic houseplant pots. To supercharge the elegant style, go for our marble planter with stand.

Keep this wild beauty happy by giving him a drink every 7 to 10 days and placing him in a bright spot.

 

3. Croton Bush Fire

As plants that are perfect for autumn go, you can’t get much better than this bright, tropical, leafy beauty. The Croton Bush Fire showcases the full spectrum of the autumn colour palette, from greens and yellows to reds and oranges. The perfect way to add some cheer to your interior this season. Available in a choice of almond, charcoal or grey stoneware, he’s sure to compliment your autumnal interior style.

And, to top it off, he’s wonderfully low maintenance too. Water him when the top of the soil has dried out, place him in a bright spot away from direct sunlight and keep him away from radiators and out of draughts.

 

4. Calathea

Are you looking to make a statement in your indoor jungle this autumn? Then look no further than our Big Calathea. These big beauties, available in our signature seagrass and cotton belly baskets or our concrete ceramics, measure up to 60cm tall. They’re sure to provide that statement focal point you’re looking for. Also known as a Prayer Plant, these green beauties move their leaves to follow the daylight and they have a stunningly striking leaf design. All in all, a totally mesmerising, must-have house plant!

To keep this big guy thriving, water him every 7 to 10 days. Choose a medium-lit spot away from direct sunlight and treat him to a mist every week or so. For more info, read our helpful Calathea Care Guide.

5. Dieffenbachia

Look at the simply splendid leaf markings on the final pick in our list of autumn houseplants. The various shades of dark green, pale green and white that adorn these large leaves are simply spellbinding and sure to brighten up your living space. This striking green beauty is easy to look after too. Give him a drink when the top layer of soil has dried out and rotate him regularly to encourage even growth. A word of caution for this green beauty, the sap is poisonous if ingested. That means this plant is best avoided if you have young children or curious pets.

Autumn Houseplant Care

In all the excitement of cosying up your home for autumn with new, colourful house plants, don’t forget to check in on the plants you already have in your indoor jungle. At this time of year, we’re often asked about how to care for houseplants in autumn. Here is a helpful run down of our top care tips for this time of year.

Read on to discover our advice for caring for houseplants in autumn. Follow these handy steps to keep your botanical beauties happy and healthy as the season changes.

Give your indoor plants one final feed

We strongly recommend not feeding your houseplants over the winter months. One last feed as we move into autumn is perfect to provide your plants with a last dose of nutrients. This will keep them happy until spring. We recommend Plantsmith Fortifying Houseplant Tonic. It is a blend of 13 essential nutrients and kelp extract to stimulate cell growth and promote stronger leaves.

 

Clear debris and check for bugs

Warm and cosy homes can attract some common household pests that leave your plants at risk from irreversible damage. The most common pests to look out for are whitefly, spider mites and scale insects. If you’re concerned about pests, have a read of our blog; Houseplant Pests: What You Need to Know. It will give you a full rundown of how to spot and treat them.

 

Consider moving them closer to a light source

The arrival of autumn signals shorter days and less daylight and we know that the majority of houseplants need light to thrive. Given the naturally lower light levels in autumn and winter, your plants may benefit from being moved closer to a sunny windowsill during the darker months. This is particularly beneficial for succulents and cacti, which need plenty of warmth and light to thrive.

 

Reduce your watering schedule

Are you wondering how often you should water your houseplants in autumn? You’re not alone, that’s a question we hear a lot at this time of year, and as ever, we’re here to help. Your plants will be entering their dormant phase which means they are unlikely to be producing lots of new leaves during autumn and winter. As such they don’t need as much water as they do in the spring and summer. As a rule of thumb, your houseplants will need a drink approximately once a fortnight. Succulents & cacti will only need a drink once every 4 to 6 weeks.

Be mindful of heating

As the weather turns colder and we’re thinking about switching our heating on to keep our homes cosy, remember to keep an eye on your houseplants. The increased heat could cause your plants to dry out more quickly. This is a particular problem for floor-standing plants on a heated floor or any green beauties near a radiator. Keep an eye on your plants and if they are drying out quickly remember to give them a good drink.

 

Rotate your plants

As we know, plants grow towards the light. At this time of year, when there is less daylight, it’s a great idea to rotate your plants weekly. This will encourage a nice, even shape.

 

Do a spot of pruning

Give your plants a nice tidy-up by clearing any debris that may have fallen onto the top layer of soil. It’s also a good time to trim off any yellow or damaged leaves. This will allow the plant to direct all its nutrients to healthy growth.

 

Move them away from draughts and radiators

Plants can find sudden temperature changes quite stressful. If you think any of your plants are too close to a radiator or draught, it’s a good idea to move them to a new position. This will protect them from constant changes in temperature as the heating goes on and off.

Dust your houseplants

Houseplants will accumulate a layer of dust over time and it’s important to remove this by wiping the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth. Not only does this keep them looking better, it also allows them to absorb more light and make food through photosynthesis.

 

We hope this week’s blog has given you plenty of inspiration for an autumnal spruce up and given you the confidence to help your plants through the changing seasons. If you have any questions about our autumn houseplant recommendations or caring for your houseplants in autumn, please do get in touch at [email protected]. Until next time plant tribe.