1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
The most common error in winter is overwatering. Most plants, during winter weather, require little water because their pace of growth has slowed down.
- Check the Moisture in the Soil: Feel the soil using your finger, and insert about an inch deep. If the soil is dry, it needs watering. You can also use a moisture meter for more accurate measurements.
- Water Only When Needed: Each plant has its specific need to be watered. Look for the specific requirements of your plants and how frequently they should be watered.
- Correct Technique: When watering, the soil should be moist but not wet. The saucer must have excess water drained out so that the root rot can be avoided.
For instance, succulents and cacti are watered less during winter. About watering other plants like ferns or calatheas, it has to be moderate and done only when topsoil dries up.
2. Increase Humidity Levels
The air during winter is usually dry, mainly when central heating systems are on most of the day. A majority of plants, probably tropical types, prefer higher humidity levels.
- Plant Grouping: Bringing in near arrangements of plants will provide a microclimate inside, which is likely to be more humid.
- Using a Humidifier: Upon placing a humidifier in the vicinity of your plants, the air moisture will increase rapidly. This is of great importance for orchids, ferns, and peace lilies.
- Involve a Pebble Tray: Put a tray under your plants filled with water and pebbles. The surrounding air becomes moist because water evaporates.
- Mist Occasionally: Misting is not as effective as other methods but can provide a temporary boost. Make sure to check regularly to see the benefits.
Remember, consistency is key when maintaining humidity levels. Fluctuations in moisture can stress plants, leading to wilting or yellowing leaves.
3. Provide Adequate Light
Shorter days and less sunlight can leave your plants struggling. Here's how to tackle low-light conditions:
- Relocate Your Plants: Move plants closer to windows where they can receive more natural light. East- and south-facing windows are usually best during winter.
- Supplementing with Grow Lights: For artificial light that simulates sunlight wavelengths for healthy plant growth, choose the grow light associated with your space and plant type.
- Rotate Plants: Rotate your plants now so that they will get equal amounts of light exposure on every side, allowing balanced growth.
For those light-dependent species, such as fiddle leaf figs or rubber trees, a grow light can make the difference in the middle of the winter.
4. Maintain Stable Temperatures
Dramatic changes in temperature are never enjoyed by plants. Here are ways to keep these little guys healthy and happy.
- Keep Away from Drafts: Avoid placement near drafty windows and doors since plants dislike drafts.
- Watch the Heat Sources: It is not advisable to place them close to radiators, heating vents, or fireplaces. Heat can dry plants out very fast.
- Perfect Range: For most houseplants, the daytime temperature range is 65-75°F, and nighttime temperatures should not go down much lower than 55°F.
However, temperature fluctuation is more critical for plants like pothos and philodendrons, which are hardy when temperature differences are minimal but traumatized under extreme temperature differences.
5. Reduce Fertilizing
Fertilizing during this season is actually useless. All plants were dormant during winter, which halted or reduced their growth.
- Wait for Fertilizers: Don't even think of fertilizing your plants without growth. Fertilize with a very dilute feeding if your plant is still growing to avoid excess feeding.
- Look for Growth: The appearance of new stems or leaves means active growth, at which time light fertilization is warranted.
Excess nutrients during dormancy can cause salt buildup in the soil, which may harm plant roots. Flushing the soil with water periodically can help remove these excess salts.
6. Keep Leaves Clean
Dust on the leaves can interfere with light absorption and provide shelter for pests.
- Clean the Leaves: Use a damp cloth or microfiber glove to gently clean the leaves. Avoid using chemicals.
- Remove Dead or Yellow Leaves: Prune any damaged foliage using clean, sharp scissors. This helps the plant direct energy to healthy growth.
Cleaning also improves the overall appearance of your plants, making them look fresh and vibrant even during winter's gloom.
7. Monitor for Pests
Pests like aphids and spider mites are more common in winter when the air is dry. Take these steps to protect your plants:
- Inspect Often: Look for the presence of webs, sticky substances, or small insects.
- Isolate Infested Plants: If you see pests, immediately isolate the infested plant to prevent further spread.
- Natural Remedies: Treat infestations with neem oil, insecticidal soap, and other mild remedies. Always read the product instructions.
Prevention involves keeping plants clean and providing enough humidity to prevent common pests.
8. Rotate Your Plants
It's essential to turn plants around every winter to ensure uniform illumination. This action will result in balanced growth because one side will not become elongated and, therefore, appear leggy.
Monstera and ZZ are some plants that grow in response to the illumination source. Hence, they do appreciate regular rotation
9. Protect from Frost
If the plant is at windows, be sure to block them from frost, as frosted glass would also lower the surrounding temperature. Such a change can be quite hostile to plants.
- Use Curtains or Blinds: Pull curtains in at night to exclude cold draughts.
- Move Plants If Necessary: If the cold becomes severe and one of your windows is just too cold for comfort, relocate the plants indoors to a warmer environment.
Plants like snake plants and jade plants can be exposed to much colder temperatures than most but can't handle frost.
10. Consider Plant Varieties
Some plant varieties are harder and thrive better under winter conditions. Such include:
- Snake Plant: A hardy option that tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Pothos: Thrives in a variety of light conditions and requires minimal care.
- Peace Lily: Prefers higher humidity but is forgiving with watering.
If introducing new plants to your home during winter, choose varieties better suited to cooler conditions.
