5 Stunning plants For AUTUMN VIBES

As the weather turns crisp and the landscape turns to a palette of vibrant rustic foliage, true berry tones, and rich brown seed heads signaling that fall has enveloped the lands bringing the harvests and nodding to the darkens to come – so does our desire to embrace the changing season by making your homes look and feel as snug and warm as possible.

So whether you’re the type to prep for the occasion by going all out with the cozy blankets and plaid pillows, and filling the house with all sorts of delicious pumpkin scents  – or someone that just loves to spook it out for Halloween, adopting a more dark and mysterious esthetic, look no further than the plant kingdom to reflect that feeling of fall that is personalized just for you

Ficus lyrata

For some reason, the ficus lyrata has always given me oak vibes, there is something about this particular type of tree that just emanates autumnal vibrations, despite the fact that the leaf shape is different from that of the oak. Regardless of where you agree or not, you can`t deny that the fiddle-leaf fig is the perfect edition for everyone who loves to grow a tree indoors.

Native to the rain forest of South America (Peru) and named after its finders, botanists Elizabeth and Sarah May Fitton, the commonly known nerve plant is a stunning beauty that comes in a variety of colors, like pink, green, and the more autumnal reds and rich yellowish browns, there is no shortage of seasonal shades to choose from.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the beautiful Fittonia plant loves moisture. If you have ever owned one, you know they are quite entertaining when it comes to watering them after a short period of drought (and I do mean short): the plant droops and looks wilted only to spontaneously come back to life after a good drink of water.

General care guide:

• Light: Bright, indirect sun.
• Water: Frequent, do not allow the soil to dry out.
• Humidity: High in ideal conditions, however, they are forgiving to low humidity.
• Feeding: Once a month during active growth, with a balanced NPK fertilizer.

Alocasia Cuprea

The Halloween spirit is in full force this time of year so if you are itching to fully embrace a more vintage noir aesthetic and think outside the pumpkin color scheme, then look no further than the Alocasia Cuprea. Timelessly edgy and sophisticated, with foliage that has a metallic shine and almost black veinings, makes it the perfect fall-time botanical decor.

General care guide:

• Light: Bright, indirect sun.
• Water: Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
• Humidity: High in ideal conditions, however, they are forgiving to low humidity.
• Feeding: Once a month during active growth, with a balanced NPK fertilizer.
• Toxicology: “Oral irritation, intense burning, and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing”- ASPCA(n.d) – “Alocasia”.

Calathea Sanderiana

Speaking of edgy, sophisticated, and sultry the Calathea Sanderiana makes for a perfect centerpiece for any arrangement especially surrounded by candles and crystals.

A must-have for any houseplant enthusiast (especially considering its unique visage – dark cranberry background refind with intense pink stripes) this gem is fairly stress-free when it comes to its care and a rewarding addition for any collector.

• Light

Bright indirect light to bright shade. Try placing your plant somewhere where is gets bright but filtered light, like through a curtain. If the plant reacts by curling its leaves or starting to flop, try moving it somewhere more shaded.

• Humidity

Depending on where you are in the world, you have the following options: a humidifier (we get really dry and hot summers here, so that works best for the plants), misting once or twice a day (I’d stick with the humidifier since the mist evaporates in 5 min), or you can place your plant on a tray of wet pebbles or use humidity mats. If you are lacking humidity the dried up edges and curled up leaves, will let you know how you stand in that department.

• Water

Water thoroughly but make sure that the pot has drainage, no one likes rotten roots. Use only distilled, filtered, or RO (Reverse osmosis) water to avoid burning and yellowing of the leaves. Tap water that is left to sit overnight in order for the impurities to evaporate, does not work, except if you live somewhere where your tap water is fresh mountain water. Then yeah! For me, on the other hand, that backfired. Try not to let the soil get bone dry or you will have a nasty surprise in the form of dry dead leaves.

• Feeding

Stay away from salt heave or overly chemical fertilizers and focus more on natural supplements. By heavy in salts, I mean anything with too much Na (as in sodium) and Cl (chlorine), and we already covered why that is bad. The main nutrients that you should be focusing on are Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K).

• Pruning

Inevitably, I found that no matter how careful you are, some tiny brown tips will occur. If the plant starts to look a little unsightly for your liking, snip them off and then wipe the fresh cut with some 3% hydrogen peroxide since I have noticed that the leaves tend to get easily infected.

Rex begonia

If you are looking for options and can`t yet decide on a general style  –  Rustic, Minimalist, Bohemian, French Country, etc – then turn your attention to the genus Begonia especially the cultivar group REX, there are literally innumerable hybrids to choose from. So no matter what style you do decide to embrace in the end there is definitely a rex begonia for everyone.

General care guide:

• Light: Bright, indirect sun.
• Water: Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
• Humidity: High in ideal conditions, however, they are forgiving to low humidity.
• Feeding: Once a month during active growth, with a balanced NPK fertilizer.
• Soil: Well-draining since the root system is prone to rotting if waterlogged.
• Toxicology: Soluble calcium oxalates – Clinical Signs: Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is underground. – ASPCA(n.d) – “Begonia”.

Whatever style you chose to embrace in the end I do hope you enjoy my suggestions. Fall is such a cozy and enchanting time of year and I do believe that our houseplants really help us ring in those autumnal energies with minimal effort.

Did you like this post? If so don’t forget to share it with friends, subscribe, and comment down below and let’s share our knowledge and experiences! Talk to you next time and happy growing!

REFERENCES:

• ASPCA(n.d) – Alocasia
• ASPCA(n.d) – Begonia
• ASPCA (n.d) – Fiddle-Leaf
• Photo by Rahul Pandit from Pixabay