Winter poses many challenges for houseplants. Fewer daylight hours, low temperatures, and dry air often create havoc for many plant parents and their cherished green friends. You may be watering correctly and placing the plants in the most favorable light, yet something in your home could still be hurting them. And no, it's not your lack of a green thumb. It is all about maintaining humidity.
The Actual Perpetrator: Dry Indoor Air
Dry indoor air is one of the most significant hazards to houseplants in the winter. While your heating system is operating, it drops the humidity level dramatically, leaving your plants dry and fighting for survival.
Houseplants prefer humid environments of 50% to 60% humidity, but indoor winter air can plummet as low as 10%. This has the effect of a desert in that most houseplants are simply not able to survive. Such a decline in humidity results in drooping, browning, and unhappy plants.
Why Dry Air Harms Plants
Most indoor plants are from tropical or subtropical regions with plenty of moisture. Ferns, Peace Lilies, Monsteras, and Calatheas prefer moist conditions. When placed in an environment that is too dry, they begin to lose water more rapidly than they can take it up.
This causes several issues:
- Wrinkles, Brown Edges on Leaves – When the plant is losing too much water, the edges of its leaves become brown and crispy.
- Drooping or Wilting – Even when the soil is watered, plants can appear limp due to a lack of humidity.
- Slow Growth – Dry air stresses plants, slowing or halting their growth.
More Pest Problems – Spider mites and other pests love dry air, making your plants even more susceptible to pests.
How to Know If Dry Air Is Hurting Your Plants
If you’re unsure whether dry air is the culprit, look out for these telltale signs:
- Leaves develop brown tips or edges, even when the plant gets enough water.
- Plants are looking limp and droopy despite regular care.
- Soil dries out much faster than usual.
- Yellowing leaves or untimely dropping of leaves.
- Increased insect activity, especially spider mites and thrips.
If your plants are showing these symptoms, take action.
How to Heal the Damage and Keep Plants in Good Health
The great thing is that there are several methods to raise humidity so your plants can survive the winter season without problems.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers are the simplest and most efficient way to raise the humidity in a home. You may place it on the ground, especially for humidity-lovers like Orchids, Ferns, or Anthuriums. Let it run for several hours each day to duplicate the moisture level under which they grow in their native place.
Clump Your Plants Together
Plants release moisture during transpiration; thus, when they are close to each other, they form a small pocket of humidity suitable for all of them. This is why you should try clustering your humidity-seeking plants together in one location.
Experiment with a Pebble Tray
Set your houseplants up on pebble trays filled with water beneath their pots. As the water evaporates, you have a reservoir of added humidity. And be sure that the pot's bottom doesn't touch the water; it could cause root rot.
Mist Your Plants (But Don't Overdo It)
Misting houseplants isn't precisely the best way to increase humidity for the long term; it's more of a quick fix. Some plants, like orchids and ferns, accept the occasional misting, but many other types, such as succulents, want drier environments. Always look up what those particular plants need before misting.
Move Your Plants
If they're right in front of heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces, get them out. These heat sources will dry them out even faster. You should be moving them into naturally moist areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Adjust Your Water Schedule
People think they are doing the plants a favor simply because they are dry, but too much watering is as harmful to a plant as not enough. Check the soil before watering. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it is dry, your plant needs water; if it is still moist, wait a little longer. Do not overwater your plant.
Use the Right Soil
Some plants prefer a mixture holding a little more water over winter. A bit of coconut coir or peat moss keeps the soil from drying out too quickly. Try using a good potting mix while making sure your pots have good drainage to avoid root rot.
When a Little Extra Warmth is Necessary
There are times when a little extra warmth is required for the plants. If your house gets cold, a heating mat under your pots will save the roots from drastic temperature changes; however, combine this with humidity-boosting methods to prevent the plants from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Plants beautify any home; even so, winter sometimes makes it hard to maintain them. A dry winter is one of the threats during the cold season; however, it can be turned around with those simple things to make a small paradise for the plants. Your plants will stay lush and happy all season long because you will add humidity, keep them away from the heat, and change your care schedule.
How to Purchase Plants from Eureka Farms?
Eureka Farms provides a wide selection of landscaping trees, fruit trees,palm trees, and various houseplants for customers. Our nursery features outdoor plants and topiary trees that can enhance the beauty of any outdoor space, from hardscapes to seating areas. We deliver freshly cultivated plants across the United States. Want more plant care tips? Visit Eureka Farms for expert advice and high-quality plants that light up any home, regardless of the season! Happy planting!