October

In autumn, plant growth slowly decreases without additional exposure to light. Air humidity also decreases once the heating is turned on. While the plants adapt to the different conditions, you can help them by changing the way you care for them.

This avoids damage such as browning of the leaf tips and edges, yellowing of the leaves and leaf drop.

We recommend putting water evaporators on radiators to keep the air in the room moist. Many plants also like to be sprayed frequently with water. Orchids, in particular, like to have a high degree of humidity.

Do not overwater the plants, however. Many cultivated plants experience a resting phase in winter when the temperature drops and only need a small amount of water.

Dry heating air promotes infestation with spider mites. Plants close to radiators are often the first to get spider mites. Ficus types are particularly vulnerable. Do not forget to regularly check your plants for infestation, preferably using a magnifying glass. Spider mites can be tackled with BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer⁺.

The “black flies” that can often be seen on flower windows and winter gardens are usually fungus gnats. They most often occur if the plants are watered too frequently and become waterlogged. The 3–4 mm long larvae of fungus gnats feed on the roots of the plants and can damage the sensitive roots. Plant flycatchers trap the pesky adult fungus gnats so that they can no longer cause any harm. In the event of a more serious infestation, tackle the larvae in the soil directly.

Green plants look particularly attractive when the leaves are sprayed with a leaf shine spray. It creates a permanent, matt-gloss sheen on the leaves.