5 Ways to Look After Houseplants During Winter Months

09 Feb 5 Ways to Look After Houseplants During Winter Months

In gardening, winter is often referred to as the quiet season because most outdoor plants are resting. It’s a similar story for your home garden. Naturally, your houseplants don’t have to withstand snow and chilly winds blowing across the landscape. However, your home’s growing conditions do alter in minor ways during the winter. Whether it’s less sunlight since the days are shorter than usual, or spaces that are warm due to the presence of electrical heaters, you’ll need to change your houseplant’s care in the winter to keep them healthy and flourishing. Use these tips to keep your leafy friends lush and lovely throughout the cold months.

Tips For Caring For Your Houseplants During The Winter

Here are some ideas for keeping your indoor plants healthy during the winter:

1. Take Note Of Your Plant’s Light Requirements 

Plants need light to both survive and thrive. However, it can be challenging for them to get enough sunlight during winter when the days are so short. Another factor worth considering is your house’s position, which can impact the amount of light your plants receive. You may only receive light in specific rooms and through certain windows depending on how your home is facing the sun. If this is the case, move your plants to areas in your house that receive a lot of light. Ensure that the window panes are clean inside and out so that maximum light can penetrate and reach your plants. Lastly, clean the leaves of any dust to better absorb sunlight.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Houseplants need water to survive and grow, but overwatering them in winter is a mistake. Although this may seem counterintuitive, taking it easy on the houseplant watering really will make a difference. During the winter, plants grow more slowly; some even become dormant. As a result, plants require less water to stay hydrated, and overwatering can cause root rot. It’s also worth noting that different plants require varying amounts of water; some drought-tolerant cacti, for example, do not require watering at all, while other tropicals might still need to be watered more often. Surface soil is also more susceptible to drying out during the winter seasons, but that doesn’t imply it needs water. If the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface, it’s time to bring out the watering can.

3. Keep Your Plants Away From Extreme Temperatures

When the world outside is cold and unforgiving, it’s tempting to bring your houseplants next to a heating source. However, this can be dangerous for your plants. If you want to place your houseplant near a heater or radiator, make sure it is at least two feet away from any heat source. It also helps to keep the heating at a normal level, rather than turning it up to high. This way, your plants are less likely to get burnt by the sudden blast of hot air.

4. Watch For Pests And Diseases

Pest problems often arise in winter because of most houseplants’ less-active lifestyle during this time of year. However, you can take preventive measures by regularly checking your plants for pests. Common problems include whitefly, mealybugs, and spider mites. You might also want to check that there isn’t a major infestation of fungus gnats which could result if the plant isn’t receiving enough water or is kept in overly humid conditions. It’s best to treat any problems as soon as possible before they spread to other plants.

5. Pause The Fertilizer

Just as plants grow more slowly during winter, they also require less fertilizer. This is especially true because growth has slowed down, resulting in smaller leaves and stems. It’s fine to continue fertilizing your houseplants if their soil is already well-nourished; however, give it a rest for a month or two if you notice that the leaves are yellowing or the soil is dry.

Give Your Houseplants The Best Care Possible

Houseplants are a great way to add life and color to your home, but they need some special attention during the winter months. If you need help caring for your houseplants, Kel Lake Garden Center is your go-to spot for all things gardening. We have garden accessories and supplies, landscape materials, and so much more! We can even provide you with expert advice to help your garden thrive.