Winter presents a unique challenge for indoor gardeners. While we seek refuge from the cold outdoors, our beloved houseplants must contend with drastically reduced daylight, dry indoor air from heating systems, and a natural period of slower growth. Keeping your green companions healthy and vibrant through these conditions requires a mindful shift in your care routine.
Here are the key points to ensure your indoor plants not only survive but thrive during the winter season:
1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
- Winter is the most common time for houseplant death due to overwatering.
- Reduce Frequency, Not Volume: Plants enter a semi-dormant phase when light levels drop, meaning their metabolic rate slows down and they use significantly less water. Instead of sticking to your summer schedule, check the soil moisture more frequently.
- The Finger Test: Only water when the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch (deeper for larger pots). When you do water, ensure you saturate the soil completely and drain any excess water from the saucer.
- Avoid Cold Water: Use room-temperature water to prevent shocking the roots.
2. Optimize Light Exposure
Low light is the single biggest hurdle for tropical houseplants in winter.
- Move Plants Closer: Relocate light-loving plants (like succulents, cacti, and flowering plants) to the brightest window available, typically a south or southwest-facing window.
- Rotate Regularly: Turn your plants every week or two to ensure even exposure and prevent them from leaning heavily toward the light source.
- Clean Windows and Leaves: Dust buildup on windows and plant leaves can block up to 50% of available light. Wipe down windows and gently clean large leaves with a damp cloth.
- Consider Supplemental Lighting: If your home is consistently dim, invest in a simple LED grow light. Even a few hours of supplemental light can make a huge difference, especially for sensitive plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs or those that typically flower.
3. Combat Dry Air (Humidity Control)
Heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces drastically reduce indoor humidity, which is detrimental to most tropical plants.
|
Method |
Description |
Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
|
Pebble Trays |
Place the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water. Ensure the pot base is above the waterline to avoid soggy roots. |
All tropical plants |
|
Group Plants Together |
Plants naturally release moisture through transpiration. Grouping them creates a microclimate of higher humidity. |
General collection care |
|
Humidifier |
The most effective solution. Run a cool-mist humidifier near your plants, aiming for 40-60% relative humidity. |
High-humidity lovers (Ferns, Calatheas, Orchids) |
|
Misting |
Use sparingly. Misting offers a very temporary humidity boost and can sometimes promote fungal growth. |
Use cautiously |
4. Skip the Fertilizer
Just like watering, a plant's need for nutrients slows down significantly during its dormant phase.
- Cease Feeding: Stop fertilizing completely from late fall (usually October/November) until early spring (March).
- Risk of Salt Buildup: Fertilizing a resting plant can lead to a buildup of soluble salts in the soil, which can burn the roots and damage the plant. Save the feeding for the active growing season.
5. Mind the Temperature and Drafts
Fluctuations and extremes in temperature are stressful for most houseplants.
- Maintain Consistency: Keep your home temperature relatively stable. Most tropical plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C).
- Check for Drafts: Keep plants away from cold drafts near windows, exterior doors, and vents. A sudden blast of cold air can cause leaves to drop quickly.
- Avoid Heat Vents: Similarly, do not place plants directly on or above radiators, heat registers, or stoves, as the intense, dry heat will rapidly dehydrate the foliage.
Winter Health Checklist
|
Action Item |
Frequency |
Rationale |
|---|---|---|
|
Check soil moisture |
Once per week minimum |
Prevent overwatering |
|
Rotate plants |
Every 1-2 weeks |
Ensure even light exposure |
|
Clean foliage |
Once per month |
Maximize light absorption |
|
Inspect for pests |
Once per week |
Pests thrive on stressed plants in dry air |
|
Monitor humidity |
Daily (if possible) |
Prevent dry leaf tips and edges |
|
Apply fertilizer |
Cease until Spring |
Plant dormancy/salt buildup risk |
By implementing these mindful adjustments, you can successfully navigate the challenges of the winter season and ensure your houseplants emerge healthy and ready to flourish come spring.
Want to add to your houseplant collection, need supplies, or just have questions? We are open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and have a large selection of indoor plants to choose from.
