Can you buy houseplants in the winter?

Yes, you can buy houseplants during the entire year. When you buy houseplants in the winter, you should make sure your plant stays warm when bringing it home. Protect it with wrapping paper or bubble wrap when transporting it outdoors.

Does wrapping your plant in the plant shop help in the winter?

Wrapping your plant in a few layers of plastic or paper helps to keep freezing winds from reaching your plant. However, this will only protect your plant temporarily. Exposing your plant to this cold air for a longer time (more than 5-10 minutes) could kill your plant if it's sensitive to cold air.

Should you buy plants in the winter?

If you know how to care for plants in the winter, there is no harm in buying plants in the winter. If you're a plant beginner, it's best to wait until spring to buy your plants. It'll be much easier to keep your plants alive in the spring and summer than the autumn (fall) and winter.

What are the best houseplants to buy in the winter?

Some of the best houseplants to buy in the winter include succulents, cacti, snake plants, spider plants, and ZZ plants. These plants are all easy to care for and can tolerate lower levels of light and humidity.

How do I know if a houseplant is healthy before buying it in the winter?

When buying a houseplant in the winter, look for signs of healthy growth, such as strong stems, vibrant leaves, and no signs of pests or disease. You can also gently tug on the stems to make sure they are firmly rooted in the soil.

Should I repot a houseplant that I buy in the winter?

It's generally not necessary to repot a houseplant that you buy in the winter. You might need to repot if it's root-bound or the soil is excessively dry or wet. Wait until spring when the plant is actively growing to repot it.

How do I acclimate a new houseplant to my home in the winter?

To acclimate a new houseplant to your home in the winter, gradually introduce it to its new environment. Do this by placing it in a slightly less sunny spot than it needs. Than slowly move it closer to the desired location over the course of a week or two.

What is the best way to water houseplants in the winter?

The best way to water houseplants in the winter is to let the soil surface dry out slightly between waterings. Most plants don't need as much water during the winter. Avoid watering during extremely cold temperatures, as this can damage the plant.

How can I ensure my houseplants stay healthy in the winter?

To ensure your houseplants stay healthy in the winter, maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. Also provide sufficient light, avoid overwatering, and keep an eye out for pests and disease.

Should I fertilize my houseplants in the winter?

It's generally not necessary to fertilize houseplants in the winter. Their growth tends to slow down during the winter. Wait until spring when the plant is actively growing before fertilizing.

Can houseplants survive outside during the winter months?

It depends on the plant species and your climate. Some houseplants, such as succulents, can tolerate colder temperatures. Others need to be kept indoors. Research your specific plant to determine its cold tolerance and care requirements.

How to buy houseplants in the winter

When you're buying houseplants in the winter, there are a few challenges you should be prepared to take on. In this plant care guide, we're going to cover which challenges to overcome and how to do this. It'll help your future plants thrive, even during the winter.

Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash

Monstera next to wrapped plant If you're new to plants (welcome to the club, plants are amazing) and it happens to be winter when you start getting into plants, you might want to read this guide before you go out and buy the most beautiful plant you can find.

Buying houseplants in the winter sometimes comes with a few challenges. When you buy plants in the summer it's easy; it's warm outside and getting them home safely is usually no problem. However, in the winter it's cold, and getting your plant home can be a challenge by itself. In this guide, we're going to cover some of the challenges you may face when getting your plants home safely and making sure it doesn't die on you. These challenges include:

Persistence is key

Common plant problems

Let's get into these challenges and some tips to overcome them, so you can go to your favorite plant store and get that beautiful new plant...or more than one, because let's be honest, you're going to get more than one plant.

Bringing plants home in the winter

Frozen plant in the winter

Photo by Alexander Sinn on Unsplash

Bringing the plant home safely seems like an easy step, but this can be a real challenge in the winter. If you get any plants, especially tropical plants, and you live in a place that gets cold in the winter, exposing these plants to the cold weather for even a few minutes can be fatal.

Your plant goes through a big temperature change in a short time and this could put it into shock. Plants that go into shock can take a few weeks to recover, and risk being infected by pests or even dying.

When transporting plants from the store to your home in cold weather, it is important to take certain precautions to protect them from harsh temperatures. Here are some tips to help ensure the safe arrival of your new greenery:

Plan ahead: Before heading out to the store, check the temperature forecast and try to time your visit during the warmest part of the day. This will minimize the amount of time your plants spend in the cold.
Wrap them up: Use paper or bubble wrap to insulate your plants during transportation. This will protect the plant from freezing winds and help to insulate the plant while they're outside.

The smaller temperature difference between the store and outside could mean the difference between having a healthy plant and a plant that's struggling to stay alive. The layers of paper help to make the temperature change a little more gradual in the short term. If you're wondering what it looks like to wrap your plants, the photo at the top of this guide is a great example.

Choose appropriate transportation: If you will be transporting a lot of plants or large ones, consider using a vehicle with a heated trunk or cargo area. This will help maintain a warmer temperature during the journey.

This is especially true if buying tropical plants or succulents, as walking or taking a bike will expose the plant to cold air for too long, and this will most likely kill your plant. The plastic and/or paper wrapping will protect your plant against the cold winds, but it won't protect your plant against the colder temperature drop for very long.

By following these simple tips, you can help protect your plants from the hazards of transportation in cold weather and ensure they arrive at their new home healthy and happy.

Acclimating your plant to its new home

Acclimating a plant to a new environment can be a challenging task, especially during the winter months when the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate rapidly. If not done properly, sudden changes in the environment can cause stress to the plant, which can result in various issues, such as leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and even death.

To make sure that your plant successfully adapts to its new surroundings, it's best to start by gradually exposing it to the new environment.

It's important to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels in the new environment. Make sure that the plant is not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, as sudden drops in temperature, in particular, can cause the plant's leaves to blacken and curl.

However, too much or too little humidity can affect the plant's overall health and growth. It's best to invest in a hygrometer or thermometer to monitor the environment and ensure that it stays within the perfect range for your plant.

In addition to gradually exposing your plant to the new environment and checking the temperature and humidity levels, you should also provide some extra care and attention during the acclimation process. For example, you can mist the plant's leaves with water to increase the humidity around the plant. You can also group your plants which will help to naturally increase the humidity levels.

By following these tips and providing proper care and attention, you can successfully acclimate your plant to its new environment, even during the winter months when temperature and humidity levels can be challenging to manage.

If you're looking for more in-depth tips on how to take care of plants in the winter, have a look at How to care for houseplants in the winter.

Little to no growth in the winter

Sansevieria growing babies

When you buy your plants in the winter, it's likely they're dormant, which means they will be "asleep" for months at a time. Like many animals, your plants can go dormant for the winter. This helps them recover from the rapid growth in the spring and winter, preserving energy to keep them alive during the "harsh" winter months.

If you've bought houseplants in the summer, you'll know that they'll grow quickly when you bring them home. However, this is most likely not the case in the winter. Your plant is probably asleep and won't grow very much, or at all. It might drop a few leaves to recover from the trip between the plant shop and your house.

This seems scary because it'll look like your plant is dying, but this is not the case if you've kept it warm on the journey home. Your plant is simply going dormant and will be back to its former glory in the spring. Then during the spring, it'll start growing quickly again, like nothing happened.

Taking care of your plant during the winter

Sansevieria with a scarf

Plant care in the winter is different than plant care in the summer. Most plant care guides are aimed toward plant care in the summer, so it's best to keep that in mind when looking at plant guides if you've bought your plant in the winter.

During the winter, your plant will require less water, more sunlight, and less fertilizer than these guides will mention. If you want to go more in-depth about taking care of plants in the winter, be sure to read How to care for houseplants in the winter.

Persistence is key

The reality of taking care of plants in the winter is that it's a lot less exciting than taking care of plants in the summer. However, this shouldn't stop you from getting those beautiful plants you've had your eye on.

All the effort you put into taking care of your plant in the summer is instantly rewarded with new growth, while this hard work seems to get you nowhere in the winter. This can be discouraging, but don't give up.

The goal of plant care in the winter is not to make your plant grow as quickly as possible but to simply exist and maintain its current size. If you succeed in taking care of your plants in the winter, the coming spring will be when your hard work pays off double. Your plants will now have an amazing start and will show you how well you took care of them by growing quickly.

Common plant problems

Small houseplant in dark room

Winter can be a challenging time for plants because of the harsh weather conditions and lack of sunlight. During this season, issues like yellowing leaves and root rot may become more common. With proper care and attention, you can troubleshoot these problems and help your plants thrive throughout the colder months.

Yellowing leaves

If you notice your plant's leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign of several issues. One common cause is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and make it difficult for your plant to absorb nutrients. To fix this, make sure you're only watering your plants when the soil is completely dry, and make sure the pot has proper drainage.

Brown leaves

If your plant's leaves are turning brown and dry, this could be a sign of underwatering. In this case, you'll want to slightly increase your watering schedule and consider using a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.

To avoid overwatering or underwatering, I recommend checking the topsoil before watering your plant. If the soil feels dry, you can add water until the excess drains out of the pot. If the soil feels wet or slightly moist, your plant doesn't need water yet.

Root rot

Another common issue with plants is root rot. Root rot is caused by both overwatering and poorly-draining soil, so be sure to choose a high-quality potting mix that is specifically designed for your plant's needs. Avoid overwatering and ensure your plant's pot has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Lack of sunlight

One of the biggest issues during winter is the lack of sunlight, which can result in your plants not getting enough light to thrive. To fix this, move your plants to an area that gets the most sunlight, such as a window. You can also use a grow light to provide your plants with the light they need.

By fixing these common plant problems and taking steps to prevent them, you can help make sure your plants stay healthy and strong during the winter season.

Finding quality winter plants

Small houseplant in a darker living room During the winter months, finding high-quality plants can be difficult because of limited options and availability. However, there are still some suggestions that can help you find the best plants for your indoor or outdoor garden.

One option is to visit a local greenhouse or nursery that specializes in indoor plants. These types of businesses typically have a larger selection of plants that are best for indoor environments, including low-light plants that thrive in the darker winter months.

Another option is to search for plants that are known for their winter hardiness, such as conifers, evergreens, and holly. These plants can survive colder temperatures and can add year-round beauty to your outdoor landscape.

You may also want to consider purchasing plants online. Many trustworthy nurseries and plant retailers offer a wide selection of plants that can be shipped directly to your door, often with detailed care instructions and warranties to ensure that you receive a high-quality product.

With a little bit of research and planning, you can still find high-quality plants during the winter months to add to your home or garden.

Best plants for winter

When it comes to choosing plant species that can survive harsh winter conditions or low-light environments, there are a variety of options. For example, some evergreen species such as junipers, pines, and spruces are well adapted to cold temperatures and can retain their foliage year-round. Other potential choices include holly, wintergreen, and mountain laurel, which are known for their hardiness and ability to tolerate low light levels.

In addition to these traditional choices, some unique and unusual plant species thrive in colder conditions. For example, the Arctic Willow is a cold-tolerant shrub that can grow in regions where temperatures drop as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45.5 Celsius). The Siberian Iris is another excellent option, surviving in low light conditions and even blooming in early spring before most other plants have begun to grow.

No matter what your needs are, it's important to choose plants that are well-suited to their environment to make sure they're healthy and can survive. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find the perfect combination of plant species to create a beautiful and thriving winter garden!

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.