Winter Houseplant Survival Guide
As winter descends and the garden outside turns to fifty shades of brown, houseplants are a lovely way to introduce a little bit of green back to your home life.
However, as many as houseplants enter a dormant phase during the winter months, due to the shorter days and reduced levels of light, there are a few things to consider when looking after them.
But, have no fear, be sure to follow our handy survival guide for houseplant to ensure they return with vigour in the spring.
With less natural sunlight in winter, your plants may need a little help finding the light they love.
- Move plants closer to windows that get the most sunlight, ideally south or west-facing windows or within a conservatory.
- Consider grow lights if you don’t have enough natural light. LED or fluorescent grow lights can provide the extra boost your plants need to stay healthy.
- Rotate plants regularly to ensure even light exposure.
The ideal temperature for most houseplants is 12-18°C, but with the central heating on and off throughout the day and night, the temperatures in your home will fluctuate more than any other time of year and this is something houseplants really dislike. Avoid sudden temperature changes by positioning your plants away from cold draughts from windows and doors and away from sources of heat like radiators and fireplaces.
The dry air from heating systems can be tough on houseplants, leading to crispy edges and leaf drop.
- Increase humidity by placing plants on a humidity tray (a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water) or by misting them occasionally.
- Group plants together so they can create a microclimate of moisture around them.
- Use a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist, especially if you have many plants.
Water wisely! Winter can often means less evaporation, although this may not be the case if your plant is in well heated room. Slower growth whilst the plants are dormant means they don’t need as much water, meaning adjusting your watering routine.
- For most houseplants, watering can be reduced to once every fortnight. If you have succulents every three weeks will be fine and, for cacti you can stop altogether.
- Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it’s dry 1-2 inches down, it’s time to water. For fresh herbs, poinsettias and Christmas cacti, water as soon as the compost feels dry to touch.
- Use room temperature water to prevent shock.
In winter, many houseplants slow down their growth and don't need as much food.
- Reduce or stop fertilising during the winter months since plants aren’t actively growing.
- Resume fertilising in spring when the growing season kicks back in.
Plants benefit from a little TLC in the winter months.
Just like a sideboard in your home, indoor plants will also accumulate a layer of dust on their leaves. This in turn will reduce the amount of light reaching the surface of the leaf. To keep your plant healthy, regularly wipe clean the leaves using luke-warm water and a soft cloth.
Trim dead or damaged leaves to help the plant conserve energy and stay healthy.
It’s important to check your plants regularly throughout the winter for pests as a warm and cosy house provides the perfect environment for plant pests like spider mites, fungus mites and aphids to thrive and breed. Look on both sides of the leaves and remove or treat any pests you find.
- Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests.
- Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests.
Winter is generally not the best time to repot houseplants, as plants are in a dormant state. However, if your plant is severely root-bound, it may be best to move to a bigger pot, but avoid disturbing the roots too much.