Houseplants in Winter: 5 Tips to Keep them Thriving

While our gardens may be taking a few months off, gearing up for a big season that will be here before we know it, our indoor plants need some TLC to keep them thriving in the meantime. The winter months can be tough on plants if we don’t take proper care of them. Check out the five tips below to help your houseplants stay healthy all season.

Watering your houseplant.

During the winter months, your houseplants will not need as much water to live. The days tend to be shorter, allowing less light to permeate your home. Think of it this way – less light, less thirsty. Plants that become dormant need less water than actively growing plants in the prime growing seasons.

Try to always check the soil before watering. If the top one to two inches of soil feels dry, add some room temperature water. Adding too much water can lead to root rot, so some experts say it’s better to lean towards less water this time of year.

Adding light.

Since houseplants aren’t in direct sunlight like they would be outside, you may need to move your plants around from time to time. If you have a spot that is brighter at certain times of day, try to take advantage of that. Also, try opening your curtains or blinds to allow extra light in. You may even need to give your windows a good washing to allow as much sunlight to pass through as possible. Be sure to look up the light requirements for your type of plant to serve as a guide to best practices.

Try to avoid placing your plants near a drafty window or vent! These can cause damage to your plants.

Increasing humidity.

We all know that the winter months can wreak havoc on our skin due to the dryness of the air. The dry air can have a negative impact on houseplants, too. If you notice that the leaves on your plants are turning yellow or brown, or even starting to curl up, your humidity is too low.

Consider adding a humidifier to get that much-needed moisture back in the air. If you don’t have a humidifier or don’t want to add one, move your plants to your bathroom or kitchen for a while. Those two areas tend to have a higher humidity level and can really help a dried-out plant.

Some people even spray some water on the plant to add some moisture to the leaves.

Dust and inspect the leaves.

Dusting your plant’s leaves can help clean them off, allowing them to better absorb the sunlight and any nutrients it gets from the environment. While doing so, be sure to pay attention to the leaves. Turn them over to make sure there are no bugs or mites on them. Be sure to take care of those issues immediately if you notice any unwelcome pests!

Trim your plants.

Stay on top of pruning any dead or damaged leaves off of your houseplants in the winter. Don’t panic if you see a few leaves that have dropped, though. As your houseplant adjusts to its new home indoors, it’s going to make some adjustments.

Houseplants in the winter months can be just the pick-me-up that you need. Seeing that greenery is just good for the soul! And the good news is that they don’t require a lot of hand-holding. If you can provide a little maintenance, you’ll be all set to bring some of the great outdoors inside your warm, cozy home.

Looking for other ways to create a cozy environment in your home? Check out this post, 6 Ways to Create a Cozy Home, to learn more.