Taking care of your house plants during the cold months
Just like humans with seasonal colds and bundling up with extra layers, your house plants need special attention in the winter months too! Indoor plants, whether they are year-round houseplants or plants you brought indoors to over-winter, are impacted by several factors including fluctuating temperatures, dry air, and less light. Modify their care during the colder months to ensure they're ready to thrive again in the spring!
Adjust your watering routine
Plants experience a slower growth rate during colder months and some can even go completely dormant. Therefore, plants need less water to keep hydrated. Keep in mind that different plants have different water needs—cacti and other succulents might not need watering at all, while some tropicals might still require more regular watering.
PRO TIP: Surface soil can dry out more quickly during the winter months, but that's not a good indicator that the plant needs water. Push your finger into the soil to determine if it is dry an inch or two below the surface.
Increase their light
In the winter, the sun sets earlier and when it is out, it’s often covered with clouds. Make sure your house plants are getting enough light during this time! Most plants will adjust to the seasonal change in their current spot, while others might need to be moved closer to the window to receive more light.
PRO TIP: If plants are visibly leaning towards the window, gradually rotate them every few days to help them straighten out. If plants have spindly new growth, move them closer to the sill.
Be mindful of temperature
In the cold months, keep your plants away from open windows and the front door. Extreme changes in temperature, like drafts, can cause indoor plants that are used to somewhat stable conditions, to stress out. If you’re feeling the chill, chances are, your plants are too.
PRO TIP: Most common varieties of houseplants prefer temps around 75°F.
Let your plant rest
If you’re feeling sleepy in the winter, your plants are too! This is mostly due to shorter days and less sun. Many plants go into a state of dormancy in the winter months. And since plants only take up water based on the amount of light they receive, this will change how much you should water your plants. You can also wait for visible signs of thirst to show like wrinkling leaves for succulents or drooping stems for tropicals, paired with dry soil.
Accept leaf loss
Indoor plants naturally drop some leaves in the cold months to compensate for the lack of light. If your plant grew in the warmer months but now looks like it’s doing the opposite, don't worry. It’s just adjusting to the changes in seasons.
PRO TIP: 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.
By following these pro tips and modifying your care practices, you can ensure that your house plants not only survive winter but emerge vibrant and ready to flourish when the warmer seasons return.