The many benefits of houseplants are well documented, from improving air quality, increasing humidity and adding beauty to your home. Even a few textural, leafy specimens can make a difference, especially during cooler months. Winter houseplant care can be easy as long as a few simple requirements are met with proper light exposure, placement, watering and fertilizing.
Most houseplants require bright, indirect light to thrive, so in the winter it may mean placing them closer to windows or other light sources such as lamps or grow lights. Even opening the curtains more can make a big difference. Be sure to not place them near a heat source, vent or door where they may receive frequent drafts.
The most important tip for houseplant owners is to not overwater – especially if giving more light is a challenge. The key is to water thoroughly (with room temperature water) so that it drains out the bottom of the pot and not to water again until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This is especially true in wintertime when houseplant growth slows or stops. Most indoor plants prefer to be on the dry side soil-wise; soggy soil can lead to disease and insect problems. They do love humidity however, so frequent misting with a spray bottle is always helpful. Grouping indoor plants together is also helpful as they will share each other’s humidity from their own respiration.
While using an indoor plant fertilizer is important throughout the year, reducing feeding in the winter is best as plants do not take in as many nutrients when it’s cold and less light is available. There are many houseplant fertilizers to choose from and those with lower Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK) ratios are best. There are also products geared towards specific types of indoor plants such as cacti and orchids.
When the time comes to repot your houseplant, ensure success by using a high quality potting soil and appropriate size container (just a touch larger than the pot it originally came in). It’s also essential to have at least one drainage hole in the container, roots must be able to breathe and not sit in water or soil that is constantly wet.
Last but not least, indoor plants always appreciate having their leaves dusted off and being rotated on occasion. During the winter, leaves will reach towards the light even more and by rotating the pot, the plant will grow more evenly.
By following proper winter houseplant care, you can keep your plants happy and thriving, just when you need a connection to nature the most!
