Winter Care for Indoor Plants: A Simple Checklist

Indoor plants near a bright window in winter

When the days get shorter and the heat comes on, indoor plants slow down. A few simple changes keep them healthy until spring. Here is the winter routine I follow for common houseplants in a typical US home.

1. Water less

Plants grow slowly in winter, so they use less water. Overwatering is the top winter killer. Check the soil with your finger and water only when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry (for succulents and snake plants, let it dry further). That may mean every 2 to 3 weeks instead of weekly. Use room-temperature water, never ice cold.

2. Give them the best light

Winter sun is weaker and lower. Move plants closer to a south or west facing window, and wipe dust off leaves so they can absorb more light. If your home is dark, a simple full-spectrum grow light on a timer for 10 to 12 hours a day can help.

3. Avoid cold drafts and heaters

Most tropical houseplants want temperatures above about 55 to 60 F, and they suffer below 50 F. Keep leaves from touching cold window glass overnight, and keep plants away from heating vents, radiators and fireplaces, which dry them out quickly. Moving a plant just a couple of feet can make a big difference.

4. Add a little humidity

Heated indoor air is dry. Brown, crispy leaf tips are the usual sign. Grouping plants together, running a small humidifier, or placing pots on a tray of pebbles with water (the pot should not sit in the water) all help. Misting does very little for long, so I do not rely on it.

5. Skip the fertilizer

Most plants are resting, so feeding can burn roots. Stop fertilizing from about late fall until you see new growth in spring.

6. Hold off on repotting

Unless there is an emergency, such as root rot, wait until spring when the plant is growing again.

7. Watch for pests

Dry air invites spider mites and mealybugs. Look under leaves every couple of weeks. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap if needed. Yellow leaves in winter are usually from too much water or too little light, so read my yellow leaves guide for a quick check.

Easy winter-friendly plants

If you are shopping, hardy options include snake plant, pothos and spider plant. Have pets? Choose from the pet-safe list.

Winter checklist

  • Water less, check the soil first.
  • Move plants to the brightest spot.
  • Keep away from cold glass and heaters.
  • No fertilizer until spring.
  • Check for pests every two weeks.

Conditions differ from home to home, so adjust to your own space.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ZZ Plant Care for Beginners: Light, Water, Problems

Image
The ZZ plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) is a great pick if you forget to water or your home is a bit dim. It has thick, shiny leaves, grows slowly, and handles neglect better than most houseplants. Here is a simple guide, based on university extension advice. Pet note: Clemson Extension lists the ZZ plant as not pet safe. Keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and small children. See our pet-safe plant list for safer choices. Quick ZZ plant care facts Light: bright, indirect light to low light. Avoid full sun. Water: only after the soil has dried out completely. Clemson Extension suggests about once or twice a month. Temperature: normal indoor temperatures. Keep it above 60°F (about 16°C). Soil: a coarse, well-draining mix. Size: usually 2 to 4 feet tall, and it grows slowly. What light does a ZZ plant need? ZZ plants survive in low light, so they suit offices and darker rooms. Bright, indirect light speeds up their very slow growth. Put it anywhere except in full...
Read more

How to Care for a Pothos Plant (Beginner Guide)

Image
If you want one houseplant that forgives mistakes, pick a pothos. It grows in low light, bounces back from dry spells, and looks great in a hanging pot, on a shelf, or climbing a wall. This guide covers everything you need to keep one healthy, in simple steps. Pet safety note: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. If you have pets that chew plants, keep it out of reach or choose a pet-safe plant instead. Quick pothos care facts Light: medium to bright indirect light. Tolerates low light. Water: when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Temperature: 65 to 85 F. Keep away from cold drafts below 50 F. Soil: well-draining potting mix. Fertilizer: every 4 to 8 weeks in spring and summer, if you like. Difficulty: very easy. 1. Light: bright but not burning Pothos grows best in bright, indirect light. That means a spot near a window where the sun does not hit the leaves directly for hours. A few feet back from an east or north window works wel...
Read more

Spider Plant Care for Beginners: Light, Water and Brown Tips

Image
The spider plant ( Chlorophytum comosum ) is one of the easiest houseplants to keep happy. It grows fast, forgives missed waterings, and it even makes baby plants for free. Here is a simple beginner guide, including how to stop those brown leaf tips. Pet note: The ASPCA lists the spider plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, it is on my pet-safe plant list too. Quick spider plant care facts Light: bright, indirect light. It tolerates medium light but grows best with more. Water: when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Water well, then let the extra drain out. Temperature: normal room temperatures. Keep it away from cold drafts and frost. Soil: regular, well draining potting mix. Pot: any pot with drainage holes. A hanging basket shows off the baby plants. Where to put a spider plant A spot near an east or north facing window works well. Strong afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and fade the stripes. If the white stripes on the leaves look dull, the ...
Read more