Anyone else find that September is a strange month for houseplants? Yup, us too!
Spring has officially arrived, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger; but the weather hasn't quite made up its mind. We're still pre-daylight savings and suddenly 6am is VERRRY bright.
That's before we even get to the weather; one day it's warm and sunny. The next is cold, grey and raining. Your home can still feel chilly in the mornings, while your plants are suddenly getting more light through the windows.
So what should you actually be doing with your houseplants in September?
The answer isn't to suddenly switch to a summer-esque plant-care routine.
September is a transition period. Your indoor plants are gradually responding to changes in light, temperature, humidity and water availability and that's often before you notice obvious changes in the weather.
For common houseplants like monstera, pothos, fiddle leaf figs, philodendrons and peace lilies, this is the time to start paying closer attention.
September plant care is less about doing more and more about noticing what's changing.
Here's how to care for your houseplants right now.
Can houseplants get "spring shock"?
Not exactly in the way we usually think about shock, but your houseplants can respond noticeably to sudden changes in their environment. You may have already noticed it.
After winter, the amount and intensity of light coming through your windows starts to change; We the Wild HQ is case and point; we've seen way more sun than winter. Temperatures rise, days become longer and plants may begin using water and nutrients more quickly.
Then you can get a cold snap or a week of cloudy weather and rain. It's the "false spring".
Just like us, your houseplant is constantly responding to those changes.
That's why September isn't necessarily the time to completely overhaul your houseplant care routine. It's better to watch what changes and adjust gradually.
What might you notice in September?
As your indoor plants transition towards spring, you may see:
- New leaves beginning to emerge
- Faster growth
- Soil drying out more quickly
- Plants producing longer vines
- New shoots appearing
- Plants leaning differently towards windows
- Increased pest activity
These are all clues about what your plant is experiencing.
Instead of asking "What should I do because it's September?", ask "What has changed for my plant?"
1. Don't suddenly start watering your houseplants more
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make in September.
The weather warms up, you see your monstera putting out a new leaf and suddenly you're watering everything twice as often.
But a warm day doesn't necessarily mean your plant needs more water.
A cloudy week with cooler temperatures can mean the potting mix stays wet for much longer. Then a few sunny days can suddenly increase water use again.
That's why watering houseplants should be based on their conditions rather than a fixed calendar.
Before watering, check the soil.
For many common houseplants, checking the top few centimetres of potting mix will give you a useful indication of whether it's time to water. But remember that different plants have different preferences.
A pothos, monstera and succulent won't necessarily want exactly the same watering routine.
A simple September watering hack
Use our Self Watering Globes. You just fill them up and stick them in the soil. Once they've emptied, wait a few days before refilling. It means your plants tell you exactly when they need to be watered, because the resevoir will empty!
2. Pay attention to changing light
If there's one environmental change you should be watching closely in September, it's light.
Your houseplants have spent winter receiving fewer hours of sunlight. As spring progresses, days become longer and the angle and intensity of sunlight through your windows changes.
This can have a surprisingly big impact on indoor plants.
A spot that was perfect for your monstera in July may receive much stronger direct sunlight in September and October.
Likewise, a plant that struggled in a darker corner during winter may suddenly start producing new growth once the days get longer.
Signs your houseplant is responding to more light
You might notice:
- New growth
- Faster-growing vines
- Larger or more frequent new leaves
- Soil drying faster
- Stronger growth towards a window
More light can be beneficial, but more isn't always better.
If a plant has been sitting in relatively low light, don't suddenly move it into intense direct sunlight for the entire day. Gradual changes give the plant time to adjust. It's can be a good idea to keep using We the Wild's Instant Sun Grow Lamps because they keep your plant naturally growing and reduce the shock of moving from low light to bright light.
3. Keep feeding your houseplants
Here's something we think gets overlooked in seasonal plant care. Its controversial but hear us out...
Your plants don't suddenly stop needing nutrition because it's been cold and grey in winter.
Plants may grow more slowly when conditions are less favourable, but they still need the biological support required to maintain healthy growth. Not just nutrients, beneficial microbes, hormones, enzymes and micronutrients.
As September brings more light and your plants become more active, their nutritional demand can increase so keep feeding them.
We recommend keeping a consistent feeding schedule all year round as part of your houseplant care routine rather than treating plant food as something you only reach for when a plant looks unhealthy.
Why Grow Concentrate is great for september feeding
Without being an advertorial, this is why we developed Grow Concentrate. Grow combines plant nutrition with beneficial microbes to support healthy roots and growth and that is great all year round, but especially as you move into spring. Grow Plant Food was developed with agricultural scientists, using the same science that crop experts use to reduce burn from frost, and to improve the nutrient density in organic vegetables, without dangerous chemicals. We take that science and apply it to your houseplants. The benefit? You see results in summar, autumn, winter and spring!
The goal isn't to suddenly give your plant a huge dose of everything because spring has arrived.
It's to keep a consistent routine while your plant's growth naturally increases.
4. Your common houseplants may suddenly start growing again
One of the most exciting parts of September plant care is seeing the first signs of new growth.
Your monstera might push out a new leaf.
Your pothos might suddenly start extending its vines.
Your fiddle leaf fig might produce a new leaf after months of seemingly doing nothing.
Your philodendron might start producing new growth from a node.
That's your plant responding to improving growing conditions.
What should you do when you see new growth?
Usually, not as much as you think.
You don't necessarily need to repot it immediately. You don't need to dramatically increase watering. And you definitely don't need to start changing five things at once.
Instead, make sure the fundamentals are covered:
Bright, appropriate light.
Consistent watering based on soil conditions.
Consistent nutrition.
Good drainage.
Time to grow.
One of the biggest mistakes in houseplant care is overreacting to a plant that is already doing well.
5. September is a good time to look for houseplant pests
There's another thing that can become more noticeable as temperatures rise.
Houseplant pests.
As conditions warm and plants begin producing fresh growth, common pests including fungus gnats, aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips can become more noticeable.
Now is a great time to get into the habit of checking your indoor plants once a week.
Look closely at:
- The underside of leaves
- New growth
- Leaf joints
- Stems
- The surface of the soil
6. Don't repot every houseplant just because it's September
Spring is a popular time to repot houseplants.
And sometimes that's exactly what your plant needs.
But September itself isn't a reason to repot.
Before moving your plant into a bigger pot, look for actual signs that it's outgrown its current home.
These can include:
- Roots growing through drainage holes
- Roots tightly circling the root ball
- Potting mix drying unusually quickly
- The plant becoming unstable
- Growth slowing despite appropriate light and care
- The plant becoming difficult to keep hydrated
If your plant is healthy and growing well, you may not need to disturb it.
Don't fix what isn't broken.
When repotting your plants, use Support Pellets; they will help the plant recover from transplant shock and gentle feed the plant over time. They're full of beneficial fungi that attach to roots and increase their health and resilience.
7. Give your indoor plants a September clean
After a long winter indoors, your plants may be carrying a surprising amount of dust.
Large-leaved houseplants such as monstera, fiddle leaf figs and rubber plants are particularly good at collecting it.
Use our Leaf Cleaning Gloves, or a damp cloth, to gently clean your leaves.
This isn't just about making your plants look better. It also gives you an excellent opportunity to inspect the plant closely.
While you're cleaning, look underneath the leaves.
That's where you might spot the first signs of pests before you have an infestation.
8. Don't change everything because of one warm day
This is probably the most important piece of September houseplant care.
One warm day doesn't mean summer has arrived.
You might get a 25°C day followed by a cold night.
You might have a week of sunshine followed by several days of rain.
Your houseplants don't need you to completely rewrite their care routine every time the weather changes.
Instead, watch the trends.
Is the soil consistently drying faster?
Is your plant getting significantly more light?
Has new growth started?
Are temperatures staying warmer?
Those are more useful signals than one unusually warm afternoon.
Think in terms of trends, not individual days.
That's especially important during Australia's unpredictable September weather.
September Houseplant Care: A Simple Decision Guide
| What you're noticing | What it could mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Soil is staying wet longer | Cooler temperatures or lower light | Wait before watering again and check drainage/light |
| Soil is drying faster | More light, warmth or active growth | Check your plant more frequently |
| New leaves are appearing | Active growth is returning | Maintain consistent light, water and nutrition |
| Long, stretched new growth | The plant may need more light | Assess its position near a brighter window |
| Crispy or bleached patches | Possible excessive direct light or environmental stress | Assess recent changes in light and temperature |
| Tiny flies around the pot | Possible fungus gnats | Review moisture levels and inspect the soil |
| Roots coming from drainage holes | Plant may be becoming root-bound | Check the root ball and consider repotting |
| Plant is growing well | Your routine is probably working | Don't change everything! |
Important: These are clues, not diagnoses. The same symptom can have multiple causes, so consider the plant's overall environment before changing its care.
September Care for Common Houseplants
Different houseplants respond differently to seasonal changes. Here's what to watch for with some of the most popular indoor plants.
Monstera
September can be an exciting time for monstera owners, with new leaves and faster growth appearing as light levels increase.
Watch how quickly the potting mix dries and make sure your monstera has enough bright, indirect light to support its new growth.
If your monstera is producing larger leaves or longer vines, September is also a good time to consider whether it needs additional structural support.
Pothos
Pothos can respond quickly to improving spring conditions, particularly with brighter light.
Look for new leaves and longer vines, and adjust watering based on how quickly the potting mix is drying.
If your pothos has become long and sparse over winter, September can also be a good time to prune and propagate healthy growth.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs can be more sensitive to changes in their environment than some other common houseplants.
As spring light increases, be mindful of suddenly moving a fiddle leaf fig from a lower-light position into intense direct sunlight.
Consistency is your friend: avoid repeatedly moving it around the house in response to changing weather.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies can be particularly useful at telling you when they're thirsty because their leaves can visibly droop.
However, don't use drooping as an excuse to keep the soil constantly wet.
Check the potting mix and make sure your plant has adequate drainage.
What Should You Do for Your Houseplants This September?
You don't need to spend your entire weekend giving your indoor jungle a makeover.
Start with five simple things:
1. Check your plants
Look at the leaves, stems and new growth.
2. Check the soil
Don't water automatically. See how quickly each plant is actually drying.
3. Check the light
Are your plants getting more or less light than they were a few weeks ago?
4. Check for pests
Look underneath leaves and around new growth.
5. Keep your routine consistent
Continue providing appropriate water and nutrition rather than reacting dramatically to every change in weather.
September Houseplant Care FAQs
Do houseplants need more water in September?
Not necessarily immediately. As temperatures and light levels increase, many houseplants will eventually use water more quickly. However, unpredictable spring weather can mean the soil remains wet for longer during cool or cloudy periods. Check the soil and adjust watering based on your plant's conditions.
Should I fertilise my houseplants in September?
Houseplants benefit from consistent nutrition rather than only being fed when they show signs of stress. As September brings more light and active growth, plants may use nutrients more quickly. Follow the directions for your chosen plant food and maintain a consistent routine.
Can houseplants get spring shock?
Houseplants can respond to sudden changes in light, temperature and watering as winter transitions into spring. Rather than dramatically changing their care routine, make gradual adjustments and watch how your plants respond.
Should I repot my houseplants in September?
September can be a convenient time to repot, but not every houseplant needs repotting. Look for signs such as roots growing through drainage holes, tightly circling roots, unusually rapid drying or slowed growth despite appropriate care.
Why is my houseplant suddenly growing in September?
Increasing daylight and warmer conditions can signal the beginning of more active growth for many indoor plants. If you're seeing new leaves, shoots or longer vines, your plant may simply be responding to improving growing conditions.
Why are there tiny flies around my houseplants in September?
Tiny flies around indoor plants can be fungus gnats. Their larvae live in potting mix, particularly where it remains consistently moist. Check your watering routine, soil moisture and drainage, and consider a targeted fungus gnat treatment if you have an established problem.
A note from We the Wild
At We the Wild, we've spent nearly 10 years developing plant-care products specifically for people growing plants in suburban and urban homes. We developed a range of products to make it easy and enjoyable for anyone to grow thriving pot plants without all the danger and confusion of traditional products. Our essentials are eco-friendly and all our consumables are Aussie made and organic. It means that everyone can see the benefits of horticulture grade products without the complication.