It is important to know how to care for houseplants in winter. The best plants decorate our interiors all year round, but they bring us the greatest joy in the winter months, when the garden sleeps and satisfies our need for the natural beauty of foliage and flowers. Potted plants add color and interest to indoor spaces, but growing conditions change in your home during the cold, dark months of the year. You need to adjust the care you give your plants to keep them healthy and thriving. With these care tips, you can ensure that your green friends fill your home with their natural beauty and lushness, even in the cold season.
Caring for houseplants in winter: Reduce watering
As the days become shorter and growth stops, watering adjustments are essential. In the winter, houseplant growth slows, so they require much less watering - overwatering during dormancy can even lead to rot. The water requirement depends on theType of plantbut generally it is enough to water them once a week or even less often. Cacti and succulents need to be watered once every 2 – 3 weeks until spring. However, pay attention to the watering routine for plants in warmer, heated rooms, as they could still dry out quickly. Depending on the location, plants can dry out more quickly, especially plants on heated floors or those near radiators. The soil should dry out completely before the next watering. A golden rule is: Don't stick to a schedule, but check the soil to see if it is moist.
Care tips for houseplants in winter – do not fertilize
If you're wondering whether you should fertilize houseplants in the winter, the answer is no. There is no need to fertilize them over the winter, only when they are actively growing. Fertilizing plants in the winter can actually do more harm than good. The plants then don’t use as many nutrients. Forcing plants to grow by fertilizing them during dormancy will result in thin stems and pale leaves.
Caring for houseplants in winter: Place them in the light
A way to keep houseplants inwinter careAs the days get shorter and the light decreases, it is to move them to a place where they get as much sunlight as possible. Replace plants regularly so that all plants receive light. If you have dark corners that don't get sunlight during the day, adding light bulbs can make a big difference. Light sensitivity depends on the type of plant and some houseplants can be damaged by too much direct sunlight, so it's important to research the light requirements of different species.
Drought-loving plants such as cacti and succulents need a lot of warmth and light, so you should definitely keep an eye on them in autumn and winter.
Caring for potted plants in the cold months – temperature and location
Consider the location of your plants in the home, especially near drafty windows that can allow cold air to enter and heating that can raise the temperature beyond your plants' preferences.
Most houseplants do not like fluctuating temperatures and in winter this can become a problem as they are exposed to heat from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators, but are also exposed to cold drafts from doors and windows. The key toSatisfaction of the plantslies in keeping the temperatures constant.
Check the plants for pests
Winter is the best time to track down tiny, sucking insects like aphids and scale insects. Spider mites are another common winter pest because they prefer warm, dry conditions. Turn the plants' leaves over and examine their undersides every time you water them. Also check the stems. If you find pests, try wiping them off with your fingers or an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. If there is a severe infestation, neem oil is a safer way to eliminate pests.
Plants tolerate repotting well when they are actively growing. That's why spring and summer are the best times to repot houseplants. Repotting in the colder months can jar dormant or dormant potted plants, so resist the urge.
Remove dust and spray the plants
Dust on the leaves of houseplants can clog their pores and also harbor pests. That's why it's important to clean the leaves regularly, especially in winter. Dust your potted plants in winter so they can absorb as much light as possible. Over time, most plants accumulate a layer of dust, reducing the amount of light reaching the leaves. This makes it difficult for them to produce food through photosynthesis. UmYour plantsTo keep them healthy, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with a little water.
Smooth-leaved plants should first be dusted with a brush and then sprayed with water. Hairy plants or cacti should not be sprayed or washed. Remove damaged, yellowed leaves by pinching out the stems at the base of the plant.
