August Plant Edit: New Routines, New Growth

Hopefully, you and your plants have survived summer vacation! Here in Georgia, the kids go back to school on August 1—which feels very early when the days are still way too hot. But hot days or not, August is a month of new routines. The days are getting shorter, we’re slowly moving toward fall, and your plants are noticing.

Your plants will notice the changing daylight before you do. Growth may slow, some plants may stretch toward their light sources, and others may show more dramatic changes—even in the color of their leaves. Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos can usually weather these seasonal shifts with little fuss, while other plants may go completely dormant.

As the days get shorter and active growth slows, your plants will generally drink less. But that doesn’t mean they need less light. Most will still need plenty of sunlight or a little help from a grow light. And while you can try to convince a plant that wants to go dormant to keep growing through the colder months, sometimes the best thing you can do is respect its natural rhythm. Giving your plants a chance to rest can set them up for healthier growth later.

Plants are individuals, so there’s no one-size-fits-all plant care rule. But in general:

Check the soil before you water.

Over time, you’ll learn what your individual plants need, but as a general rule, most plants like to dry out between waterings.

For a tropical plant, that might mean the soil is mostly dry but still feels loose. For a succulent, it might mean the soil has dried into a hard little clump that looks like it has never seen a drop of water in its life. For a Calathea, it means you probably missed watering one day.

And while “don’t water wet soil” is generally good advice, it completely ignores those carnivorous plants that basically want to live in a swamp.

Check the light.

No plant can survive without light, and as we move toward fall, many indoor plants will notice the decrease in available daylight.

One of the easiest signs that your plant wants more light is when its leaves start reaching toward the nearest window. If you notice your plant stretching, try moving it closer to the light source or consider adding a grow light.

The good news? Grow lights have come a long way. There are plenty of options that blend right into your living space, so your home can look less like a grow room and more like a room where plants happen to grow.

Enjoy your plants.

Don’t think of plant care as another chore you have to complete on a schedule. Think of it as a tiny moment to connect with a piece of nature.

When you water your plants, take a minute to really look at them. Notice the new leaf. Admire the weird growth. See which direction they’re reaching. Enjoy them.

That little moment of attention does more than make plant care feel good. The more time you spend with your plants, the better you become at noticing their subtle signals—and understanding what they need.

August is all about settling into new routines. So slow down, check your plants, and enjoy the transition into the next season.

Bonus: Don't forget to enter our End of Summer Blues Giveaway