Winter can be a tricky time for houseplant parents. Shorter days, lower light levels, drier air, and cooler temperatures all impact your collection. Some species even take a seasonal “nap”, entering dormancy to conserve energy until spring. Adjusting your care routine and making a few proactive changes can help your plants thrive through the colder months.
Prep for Winter
Before winter fully sets in, a little preparation goes a long way. Start by cleaning leaves— dust builds up over time, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis. Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe leaves and keep them shiny and healthy.
It’s also a good time to check for pests! Cold weather encourages pests like spider mites to seek refuge indoors. Inspect leaves and stems closely, especially on new plants, and treat any infestations immediately. Check out Pests 101 for more deets! 🕷️
Keep in mind, winter isn’t the best time to repot, as most plants slow their growth. However, if a plant is seriously rootbound, give it fresh soil and a pot upgrade before its dormancy period begins.
Adjust Watering Routine
Overwatering is one of the biggest winter plant care pitfalls. Most plants require less water during this time, as their growth slows down. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Watch for signs of trouble— drooping or curling leaves may indicate thirst, but yellowing or mushy stems are signs of overwatering.
Try to avoid using cold water as it can can shock your plant’s roots. Let water sit for a few hours to reach room temperature before using.
Optimize Lighting
Shorter days mean less natural light, which can be tough for light-loving plants.
Consider relocating your light-loving plants— move them closer to windows that get the most sunlight, usually south or west-facing.
If you’re in an area that is cloudy or the prime spot for your plant has scarce natural light, look into in grow lights to give your plants a little extra boost. Keep them on for at least 10 hours a day.
To ensure even growth, rotate your pots every few weeks so all sides of the plant get light exposure.
Manage Humidity
Indoor heating systems dry out the air, which can stress tropical plants that thrive in humidity 😔
Consider clustering plants together to increase the humidity in their immediate environment. If it’s handy, a small humidifier near your plants can work wonders! Aim for humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
While misting can offer a quick fix, it’s not as effective as consistent humidity and can sometimes encourage fungal growth. Check out Myth Busters for the low down.
Understanding Dormancy
Some plants, like Alocasia, ZZ plants, and Fiddle Leaf Figs, naturally enter a dormancy period during winter. Dormancy is their way of conserving energy when conditions are less favorable for growth.
Keep an eye out for slowed growth, yellowing leaves—even temporary leaf drop are normal for dormant plants. Don’t panic! Your plant isn’t dying, just resting! We all need our rest 😴
To care for dormant plants, water sparingly and hold off on fertilizing until spring, when growth resumes. Keep dormant plants in a stable environment with consistent light and temperature.
Check out Dormancy 101 for all the info!
Winter care isn’t about dramatic changes—it’s about small adjustments and careful observation. By creating a cozy, stable environment for your houseplants, you can help them survive (and even thrive) through the colder months. Embrace this slower season as a time to build your plant knowledge, plan for spring repotting projects, and enjoy the calming presence of your indoor jungle.
