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5 Best Fall Houseplants and Lighting to Help Them Thrive

Cluster of peach-pink dahlia flowers in bloom, with soft blurred background

As the days grow shorter and the outdoor landscape shifts to the warm, rustic tones of autumn, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your indoor sanctuary. Bringing the beauty of the season inside with a collection of vibrant houseplants can transform any space into a cozy and inviting retreat. This isn't just about adding a bit of green; it's about curating a lively indoor garden that thrives year-round, regardless of the changing seasons outside.

The 5 Best Houseplants for a Fall Aesthetic

The key to a good "fall houseplant" is not just about keeping it alive, but about choosing plants that have colors, textures, or a general vibe that complements the season. Think rich reds, burnt oranges, and deep, moody greens.

1. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) 

A true fall superstar! Crotons have leaves that are a stunning mix of red, yellow, orange, and green. They perfectly mimic the changing colors of the trees outside your window.

Close-up of croton plant with colorful leaves displaying green, yellow, and red patterns.

2. Anthurium

While often associated with Valentine's Day, anthuriums with their waxy, heart-shaped "flowers" (which are actually spathes) come in fiery reds and oranges that are ideal for fall. They're a great way to add a pop of long-lasting color.

A potted anthurium plant with glossy green leaves and bright red heart-shaped flowers with yellow spadices, placed on a wooden surface.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This vining plant is a classic for a reason. A 'Marble Queen' pothos with its creamy white variegation or a classic 'Golden Pothos' with its yellow splashes can beautifully trail from a bookshelf or a hanging basket.

A golden pothos plant with green and yellow variegated leaves, trailing from a white textured pot on a tabletop

4. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)

If you're looking for a plant that literally has "autumn" in its name, this is it! The autumn fern's fronds unfurl in a captivating bronze hue before maturing to a rich green, perfectly embodying the spirit of fall.

A cluster of fern leaves in shades of orange, brown, and gold, overlapping to create a textured autumn pattern

5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) 

With its striking, upright leaves, the snake plant adds an architectural element to your decor. Look for varieties with yellow-gold edges to tie into the fall color palette. It's also incredibly low-maintenance.

Three snake plants in different pots—glass, gray ceramic, and speckled stone—sitting on a wooden surface by a sunlit window.

Do Fall Houseplants Need a Grow Light to Thrive? 

As the natural light fades, your plants still need their daily dose of energy to perform photosynthesis. While moving them closer to a window helps, it's often not enough, especially for plants that need bright, indirect light. This is where a high-quality grow light, like those from Soltech, becomes an essential tool for any indoor gardener.

💡 Pro Tip: Find the right grow light that fits your space and your plant's needs— take our two-minute Lighting Quiz! 

Essential Fall Houseplant Care Tips

  • Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Plants naturally need less water in the fall as their growth slows down. Always check the soil before you water.

  • Provide Consistent Light: As the sun's angle changes, a bright, sunny spot in your home during the summer may become a darker corner in the fall. Use a Soltech grow light to supplement natural light or to provide a complete light source for your plants. A good rule of thumb is to provide 12 to 16 hours of light per day, with at least 8 hours of darkness for the plant to rest.

  • Increase Humidity: As we turn on our heating systems, the air in our homes becomes drier. Grouping your plants together or using a pebble tray can help. For tropical plants, a humidifier is an excellent investment.

  • Inspect for Pests: If you had any plants enjoying the summer outdoors, now is the time to give them a thorough inspection for pests before bringing them inside for the season.

For further information on setting up a houseplant care routine for the fall season, check out this article from The Sill. This article also provides a video about fall houseplant care. 

By combining the natural beauty of fall-themed houseplants with the right grow light to help them thrive, you can curate an indoor garden and cozy fall aesthetic that brings joy to your home all season long.

FAQs

Do I really need a grow light in the fall?

As the days get shorter and natural light fades, most plants don't get the energy they need to thrive. A grow light can be an essential tool to supplement natural light and ensure your plants stay healthy all season long.

How often should I water my plants in the fall?

Your plants will need less water in the fall as their growth slows down. Always check the soil before you water, and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.

Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow in the fall?

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering or a lack of light. Since plants need less water in the fall, make sure you're not over-saturating the soil. A grow light can also help with yellowing leaves caused by insufficient light.

What’s the best way to handle pests on my plants?

If you brought any plants inside for the fall or purchased new houseplants, it's a good idea to inspect them for pests. You can check for signs of pests on the leaves and stems and use a gentle soap and water solution to clean the leaves and prevent infestations. Read our blog posts on common pests and how to treat them for further guidance!

Can I still fertilize my houseplants in the fall?

Most houseplants enter a period of slower growth in the fall and winter, so you can stop fertilizing them during these seasons. You can resume fertilizing in the spring when the growing season begins again. For further guidance, we recommend you refer to our Plant Guide for specific care instructions for a variety of common houseplants.

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