Houseplants are a great way to bring a little greenery indoors and beat the winter blues. But as temperatures drop and sunlight fades, your plants’ needs change. Here are seven simple tips to help keep your indoor greenery happy and healthy all winter long.
1. Give Them More Light
Winter means shorter days, lower sun angles, and frequent cloud cover, which can take a toll on your plants. Keep an eye on their light exposure. While many plants can adapt to their current location, some may need to move closer to windows for better access to natural light.
If you notice your plants leaning toward the light, rotate them every few days to encourage balanced growth. Spindly new growth may also mean your plant wants more light—try positioning it near the windowsill or add a grow light for extra support.
2. Watch Out for Temperature Changes
Houseplants thrive in steady conditions, so sudden swings in temperature can lead to stress. Keep them away from drafty windows, bustling doorways, and heat sources like radiators and vents, as these spots can dry them out or chill them.
Most houseplants are comfortable in temperatures around 75°F, so maintain a stable indoor climate. Feeling chilly? Chances are, your plant is too!
3. Respect Their Winter Nap
Just like you might feel a little sluggish in winter, plants experience a slowdown in their growth cycle. Many enter dormancy or semi-dormancy during this time due to less sunlight.
Since plants drink less in the winter, reduce your watering schedule. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again, or watch for signs like wrinkling leaves on succulents or drooping stems on tropical plants. These paired with dry soil mean it’s time for hydration—no need to overdo it!
4. Keep Their Leaves Clean
With the windows closed during winter, dust and indoor pollution can accumulate on your plants’ leaves, blocking the already-limited light.
Gently clean their leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth to keep them shining and photosynthesizing. You can even add a drop of lemon juice or mild soap to the water for an extra refresh.
5. Skip the Fertilizer
During the slower winter months, your plants don’t need the extra nutrients from fertilizer. Instead, give them a break until spring when they rev up their growth again.
If you’re providing extra light and actively growing a plant, you can still fertilize, but use a reduced strength to avoid overfeeding.
6. Prep for Vacation
Traveling to visit family or seeking some sunshine this winter? Don’t stress about your plants—they’ll likely need less care anyway.
For shorter trips (a week or less), a thorough watering before you leave will often do the trick. If you’ll be away longer, consider moving your plants slightly further from their light source to slow their water usage. A plant sitter is always a great option, but with these steps, your greenery should stay happy while you’re away.
7. Don’t Worry About Leaf Loss
It’s normal for houseplants to shed some leaves in winter as they adapt to lower light levels and a slower growth pace. If your plant is dropping a few older leaves, don’t panic!
To tidy things up, prune off any overgrown or wilting leaves. This can actually help reduce further leaf loss and keep your plant looking full and vibrant.
Wrap-Up
With some simple adjustments, winter care for your houseplants can be straightforward and stress-free. Implement these tips, and your indoor garden will stay healthy, vibrant, and ready to flourish come spring.
Remember, a little attention goes a long way—your plants will thank you!
