How to care for houseplants in winter
She Says
Winter is a quiet season for most indoor plants since they don’t endure snow and chilly winds; however, care for houseplants still needs adjusting to keep them healthy and thriving.
Most plants will adjust to seasonal change if they are getting enough light during winter; however, if plants need more lighting, move them closer to their light source or window. You can consider adding supplemental lighting to your space with a grow light. Grow lights for indoor plants are designed to substitute natural sunlight stimulating photosynthesis for plant growth.
Some plants are more sensitive to the cold than others. Most common houseplants prefer temperatures around 75°F. Keep plants away from open windows, front doors and heating units or radiators which can dry them out quickly. If plants are visibly leaning toward the window, gradually rotate them every few days to help them straighten out.
Plants can go into a state of dormancy or semi-dormancy in the winter months because of shorter days and less sun; therefore, they need less watering. For most plants, you will want to wait until the potting soil has dried out completely before watering them again. Of course, you can also wait for visible signs of thirst to show, like wrinkling leaves for succulents or drooping stems for tropical plants, paired with bone dry soil.
Closed windows during the cold winter months can increase dust and indoor pollution. When dust and dirt build up on your plants’ leaves, it can reduce the amount of light getting to them. To help with this, gently dust off leaves every few weeks with a soft, damp cloth. You can also add a drop or two of lemon juice or household soap.
Because plants are doing everything at a much slower pace in the winter, they won’t benefit from any added nutrients in fertilizer at this time. If you’re actively growing a specific plant and providing ample light, fertilize it at half strength or less.
Houseplants can naturally drop some of their leaves because of the lack of light or the lack of food. If your plant is overgrown, feel free to trim off a few older leaves, as this can help prevent further leaf loss. Plus, it keeps your plant looking fuller and bushier.
