Why is it important to care for houseplants in the winter?

Caring for houseplants in the winter is important because they have different needs during this time. Understanding those needs can help keep your plants healthy and thriving.

How often should I water my houseplants in the winter?

The frequency of watering your houseplants in the winter may decrease compared to other seasons. It's important to gauge the moisture level of the soil before watering to avoid overwatering and causing root rot.

Should I place my houseplants near windows during the winter?

While it's beneficial for houseplants to receive sunlight, extreme cold drafts from windows can harm them. It's best to keep them a distance away from windows during the winter, while still ensuring they receive adequate light.

Do houseplants need fertilizer in the winter?

Houseplants typically have slower growth in the winter, so they generally require less fertilizer. It's a good idea to reduce the frequency and strength of fertilizer applications to avoid over-fertilization.

How can I prevent my houseplants from getting cold drafts?

To prevent cold drafts from affecting your houseplants, make sure they are not placed near drafty doors, windows, or vents. You can also use draft stoppers or curtains to minimize the impact of cold air.

Can I use artificial lighting for my houseplants in the winter?

Yes, artificial lighting can be a great solution for providing adequate light to your houseplants during the winter when natural light may be limited. Choose a light source that emits the right spectrum of light for optimal plant growth.

Should I repot my houseplants in the winter?

It's generally recommended to avoid repotting houseplants in the winter as they are in a more dormant state and may not handle the stress of repotting well. It's best to wait until the growing season in spring to repot.

How can I increase humidity for my houseplants in the winter?

To increase humidity for your houseplants in the dry winter months, place a tray filled with water near the plants or use a humidifier in the room. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help boost humidity levels.

Are there any particular pests or diseases I should watch out for in the winter?

Houseplants are more prone to certain pests like spider mites and fungal diseases in the winter due to the drier conditions. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases and take prompt action if needed.

Can I move my houseplants outside during the winter?

It's generally not recommended to move houseplants outside during the winter, especially in colder regions. The outdoor conditions may be too harsh, and sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress and damage to the plants.

How to care for houseplants in the winter

Houseplants, like people, behave differently based on the time of year. But how do you give your plants the best care during this time of year? In this guide, we'll go over everything you should know about plant care in the winter.

Sansevieria with a scarf Houseplants, like people, behave differently based on the time of year. During the colder months of the year, the plants will enter a dormant state; they will go to sleep for a few months. This means you'll need to give your plants different care, but how do you do this? In this guide, we'll go over everything you should know about plant care in the winter. At the end of this guide, you'll know how to care for your plants during the autumn (fall) and winter months.

Together we'll go over these aspects of caring for houseplants in the winter:

Ready to learn how to care for your houseplants this winter and help them thrive? Let's get started!

Watering your houseplants

Watering your plants in the winter is one of the most difficult adjustments you'll need to make. In the spring and summer, your plants are growing quickly, some more than others of course, but this is not the case during the winter. In the winter, your plants will go to sleep. Plants do this to recover from months of rapid growth. It's much like when you're sprinting: at some point, you'll need to stop to catch your breath. What this means for plants is this: they'll slow down growth and some plants will even stop growing during the colder months. This also means they're not using as much energy and won't need as much water.

Sign saying are you dry yet Check if the soil is dry before watering

During the colder months, it's even more important to check if the soil is dry before watering your plant because it's really easy to overwater your plant during this time. It won't be as thirsty, so the soil will likely stay moist for much longer. This also means that you won't need to water your plants as often. There is no exact science to this, but it's roughly like this: If you water your plant once per week in the spring and summer, you'll only need to water it once every two weeks in the winter. To be sure that you're not overwatering your plants, always check the soil first.

Extra sunlight in the winter

After watering, sunlight is the most important part of plant care. During the autumn (fall) and winter, the sun won't be out as much making the strength of the sun's rays weaker as well.

For your sun-loving plants, this won't be a big change, because these plants will most likely already be in a windowsill, so they get all the sunlight that still shines down. However, for your plants that usually only get bright indirect light or low light, you'll need to take some action.

Dracaena close to a window in the winter

The sun is much weaker in the winter compared to the summer, so you'll need to move your plants currently in darker places, closer towards a window. The light that's too strong for these plants in the summer is all of a sudden perfect in the winter.

As an example, a Dracaena thrives in bright indirect to low light situations in the summer, but during the winter you can move this plant closer to a south-facing (or north-facing window if you're in the southern hemisphere) window. This light would be far too bright in the summer, but it's perfect in the winter.

If you can't move your plants towards the light, you can also give them additional artificial light through grow lights. When you're using grow lights, you won't have to move your plants at all, and can help them thrive in the same place you've kept them during the spring and summer.

Fertilizing your plants in the winter

As we've seen in the watering section, plants use a lot less energy in the winter because they don't grow (as fast). This also means that you should stop fertilizing your plants during the autumn (fall) and winter.

The plants won't need the fertilizer during the winter, so if you keep fertilizing them anyway, you could be overdoing it. This often results in a harsh living environment, because the soil will be too acidic and this could kill the plant.

The best thing to do is, stop fertilizing as soon as it's autumn and pick it back up when it's officially spring.

Temperature for a houseplant in the winter

Snow on a small tree

During the winter season, it is essential to know the temperature requirements of your houseplants to ensure their survival. Different types of plants have varying temperature preferences, and providing the right conditions can help promote healthy growth and prevent damage.

Tropical plants, such as the rubber plant, Ficus Elastica, and a Peace Lily, prefer temperatures between 60-75℉ (15-24℃) during the daytime and around 10 degrees cooler at night. Exposing them to temperatures below 60℉ (15℃) can cause leaves to drop, and can even lead to death.

On the other hand, the Succulent and cacti can tolerate cooler temperatures and thrive in temperatures between 50-60℉ (10-15℃) at night and 60-75℉ (15-24℃) during the day. These plants need less water during the winter months, and it is best to allow the soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.

Plants like the Boston Fern and Spider plant fall in the middle when it comes to temperature preferences. They prefer temperatures between 55-75℉ (13-24℃) and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than tropical plants. Ensuring that these plants have proper humidity levels can also help them thrive during the winter months.

Understanding the temperature requirements of your houseplants can help prevent stress and damage during the colder months. Before bringing in plants from outdoors or purchasing new ones during the winter season, be sure to research and provide an ideal environment for their growth and survival.

Adjusting the humidity levels during the winter

The winter months don't just mean your plants get less sunlight, but it also gets colder outside. When it's colder outside, you're probably also turning on radiators and heating systems throughout your house to keep you and your plants warm.

Keeping your plants at the right temperature is important, don't let them freeze, but most plants are also tougher than you'd expect them to be. The biggest issue here is humidity.

Alocasia Zebrina leaf with water drops

Your central heating system makes it nice and warm inside, but it also makes the air dry. If you've ever taken care of a Calathea Ornata you know what dry air does to a plant. Some plants, like the Calathea, require a lot of humidity, but others, like cacti, don't mind being in dry air.

To help your plants stay healthy during the winter, you'll need to take some measures to raise the humidity in your house. You most likely can't achieve the perfect humidity levels you had in the spring and summer, but as long as you do your best to raise the humidity, your plants will get through the winter much better.

To make it a little easier on yourself, you can put the plants that need a higher humidity level together and mist them occasionally.

Protecting your houseplants from cold drafts

As winter sets in, it's important to take measures to protect your houseplants from the harsh conditions of cold drafts and dry indoor air. Here are some effective ways to safeguard your green buddies, ensuring their vibrant health even in the dead of winter:

Location: Carefully choose the location of your houseplants. Keep them away from any opening that lets in cold drafts. Instead, place them in areas with more consistent indoor temperatures.
Humidity: Winter air is incredibly dry due to indoor heating. To increase the humidity around your plants, you can place a humidifier in the room or use a pebble tray. You can also group your plants, which increases humidity levels.
Light: Winter days are shorter and darker, but that doesn't mean your plants need less light. Consider investing in a grow light or moving them to brighter areas of your home if they start to wilt or yellow.

By taking these measures, you can ensure your houseplants stay healthy and thriving all winter long.

Cleaning your houseplant's leaves in winter

Cleaning dust off a houseplant leaf

During the winter months, houseplants can be especially susceptible to dust, pests, and other types of debris that can accumulate on their leaves and hinder their growth. Thankfully, there are several methods to effectively clean houseplant leaves and promote their overall health.

One popular method is to use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe down each leaf individually. This can be a time-consuming process but is especially effective for plants with large leaves or those that are prone to accumulating dust or spider mites.

Another option is to place the plant in the shower or sink and rinse the leaves with cool water. This not only removes any debris but also provides a refreshing burst of moisture to the plant's foliage. However, it's important to avoid using hot water which can shock the plant and damage the leaves.

For more delicate plants, a handheld vacuum or soft-bristled brush can be used to gently remove debris from the leaves without causing any damage. Additionally, specialty plant cleaning sprays are available that can help remove pests and provide nutrients to the plant leaves.

By utilizing these methods, you can help ensure that your houseplants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the winter season.

One of the biggest issues in the winter is overwatering your houseplants. To prevent overwatering during the winter months, it is important to monitor the moisture levels in the soil.

As plants go into dormancy, they require less water, so it is important to adjust watering schedules accordingly. Also, make sure that containers have proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating and potentially causing root rot.

To prevent pests from becoming an issue during the winter, ensure that outdoor plants are cleaned and pruned before winter sets in. Pests like to spend the winter on plant debris, so removing any dead leaves or stems can help prevent infestations. Additionally, consider using natural insecticides and repellents to discourage pests from taking up residence in your plants.

Finally, if you're trying to help outdoor plants, consider placing a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. During the early spring, this can also help to prevent weeds from cropping up, which can compete with your plants for nutrients and water.

Overall, with a bit of care and attention, you can help ensure that your plants thrive throughout the winter season.

How to adjust your plant care routine per region?

Tree with snow on it

When it comes to adjusting plant care routines for different zones or regions with varying winter conditions, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is to identify your specific hardiness zone, which will determine what types of plants are best suited for your area.

Some zones may experience mild winters with minimal frost, while others may deal with harsh, freezing temperatures for longer periods. Factors such as snowfall, wind, and moisture levels can also vary by region.

With this information in mind, you can begin to adjust your plant care routines accordingly. For example, if you live in a colder zone with heavy snowfall, you may need to take steps to protect your outdoor plants from the weight of the snow, such as using stakes or netting. In warmer zones, you may need to adjust your watering schedule to accommodate for the drier conditions.

It's also important to consider the specific types of plants you have in your garden or landscape. Some plants are more resilient to cold temperatures and harsh winter conditions than others. For example, hardy evergreens like Holly and juniper can withstand colder zones, while tender plants like citrus and tropicals may need to be brought indoors during the winter months.

Finally, it's worth noting that even within a given hardiness zone, microclimates can exist that may require further changes to your plant care routine.

For example, a covered space may be warmer than the surrounding area, while a low-lying spot may be more prone to frost. Regular checking and adjustments can ensure that your plants thrive throughout the winter months, no matter where you live.

Conclusion

Plants' care changes with the seasons. The spring and summer are quite easy, but the autumn (fall) and winter are a different story. Your plants go into their dormancy period and require different care than what you've given them in the spring and summer.

The most important changes are watering your plants less often, moving them closer to windows to compensate for weaker sunlight, stopping all fertilizing until the spring, and raising the humidity levels to compensate for the dry air and central heating systems in your house.

Your plants won't grow as quickly and some plants won't grow at all. You might also lose leaves during the winter. Don't be afraid of this though, as these leaves will come back in the spring.

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.