As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, indoor houseplants need a little extra attention to stay healthy and vibrant through the winter months. While these green companions brighten up our homes during the dreary season, they often face challenges like reduced light, dry air, and cooler temperatures. With a few adjustments to your care routine, you can keep your indoor plants thriving until spring returns.
Here’s a guide to keeping your houseplants happy throughout winter!
Adjust Your Watering Routine
One of the most common mistakes plant owners make in the winter is overwatering. Most houseplants experience slower growth during the colder months, which means they require less water.
- Check the soil before watering: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Overly damp soil can lead to root rot, a common issue during winter.
- Water in the morning: When you do water, try to do it in the morning. This allows excess moisture to evaporate throughout the day and prevents soggy soil from sitting in cooler nighttime temperatures.
- Use room-temperature water: Cold water can shock the roots, so it’s best to use water that’s been brought to room temperature before watering your plants.
Maximize Light Exposure
During winter, shorter days and weaker sunlight mean your plants are getting far less light than in other seasons. Since light is crucial for photosynthesis, it’s important to find ways to maximize your plants’ exposure to what little natural light is available.
- Move plants closer to windows: Position your plants near south- or west-facing windows where they can soak up the most sunlight. Just make sure the plants aren’t touching cold glass or drafts.
- Rotate plants regularly: To ensure even growth, rotate your plants every week so all sides receive light.
- Consider supplemental lighting: If your home is especially dark in winter, consider investing in grow lights. Full-spectrum LED grow lights mimic natural sunlight and can make a huge difference for light-sensitive plants like succulents or tropical species.
Increase Humidity
Indoor heating systems often dry out the air in our homes during the winter, which can stress houseplants that are used to more humid environments. Many tropical plants, such as ferns and philodendrons, thrive in higher humidity levels and may suffer from browning leaf edges or curling leaves in dry air.
- Mist your plants: Lightly misting your plants with water a few times a week can help them cope with dry conditions. Be careful not to overdo it, as excess moisture on leaves can promote mold or fungal growth.
- Use a humidifier: For plants that crave high humidity, like calatheas or orchids, a humidifier can be a game-changer. Place it near your plants to maintain moisture in the air.
- Group plants together: When plants are grouped, they naturally create a more humid microenvironment. This technique is particularly useful for smaller spaces.
- Pebble trays: Place plants on trays filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
Watch the Temperature
Even though your house may be warm, many indoor plants prefer cooler temperatures in winter, especially at night. However, drastic changes in temperature, like drafts from windows or heat from radiators, can harm your plants.
- Keep plants away from heaters and drafts: Avoid placing your plants near radiators, heating vents, or drafty windows. Sudden changes in temperature can cause leaves to drop or become scorched.
- Maintain stable room temperatures: Most houseplants prefer a consistent temperature range of 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly, but don’t let it fall below 50°F (10°C), as many tropical plants can’t tolerate the cold.
Reduce Fertilization
Since most houseplants slow their growth in winter, they don’t need as much nutrition as they do during the growing season. Over-fertilizing in winter can cause a buildup of salts in the soil and potentially burn the roots.
- Hold off on fertilizing: In most cases, it’s best to stop fertilizing your houseplants during the winter months. You can resume feeding them in early spring when new growth begins.
- Light feeders: If you have plants that continue to grow during the winter, such as succulents or some herbs, reduce the fertilization rate to half or even a quarter of the recommended amount. We recommend Coast of Maine Kelp Meal Organic Plant Food during the winter months. It's a gentler feed and won't harm your plants.
Dust the Leaves
Dust can accumulate on the leaves of your houseplants over time, which can block light and hinder photosynthesis. Regularly cleaning the leaves helps your plants make the most of the available light during the winter.
- Gently wipe the leaves: Use a damp cloth or sponge to carefully wipe off dust from the leaves. For plants with delicate leaves, like African violets, use a soft brush or gently shower them with lukewarm water.
- Clean both sides: Don’t forget to wipe down the underside of the leaves, as pests like to hide there.
Keep an Eye on Pests
Winter is the perfect time for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs to attack indoor plants, as the dry air and weakened plants create ideal conditions for infestations.
- Regularly inspect your plants: Check the leaves, especially the undersides, for any signs of pests. Look for webbing (spider mites), cotton-like clusters (mealybugs), or sticky residue (aphids).
- Quarantine new plants: If you bring any new plants indoors during winter, keep them isolated from your other plants for at least two weeks to ensure they aren’t carrying any pests.
- Use natural pest control methods: For minor infestations, use a mixture of water and mild soap to wipe down leaves. Neem oil is also a great natural option for treating common houseplant pests.
Repot Only If Necessary
Repotting can be stressful for plants, especially in winter when they’re already dealing with less light and cooler conditions. Only repot your houseplants in winter if absolutely necessary, such as if the plant has outgrown its pot or if you spot signs of root rot.
- Wait for spring if possible: Spring is the ideal time to repot houseplants, as they’ll be actively growing and can recover more quickly from the stress.
- Refresh the topsoil: If your plants don’t need repotting, you can still freshen up their environment by replacing the top layer of soil with fresh potting mix. We recommend Coast of Maine Cape Neddick Indoor Houseplant Mix.
While houseplants may slow down in winter, they can continue to thrive with the right care. By adjusting your watering routine, providing adequate light, increasing humidity, and keeping a close eye on temperature and pests, your plants will stay healthy and strong until the warmer months return.
Taking the time to care for your plants during the winter not only keeps them looking their best, but it also brings a little bit of green into your home during the darkest days of the year. So enjoy the process, and watch your plants flourish even in the colder months!
