How To Care For Houseplants, Particularly In The Cold?

Houseplant care in winter involves several key tips to ensure their health and survival. One of the main tips is to cut back on watering, as less light means less water. Pay attention to sunlight, avoid temperature extremes, and adjust your watering routine accordingly.

Isolate affected plants to prevent spread and use mild pesticides. Most indoor plants need more light over winter, so move them closer to sources of light or use grow lights. Place a bowl of water near a radiator to keep humidity higher. Mist plants more frequently, especially during the colder months.

Some plants, like Pelargonium or flower bulbs, can be saved as dormant stages in non-freezing stores and don’t need watering or light. Some bulbs can be saved as dormant in a non-freezing store and don’t require watering or light.

When watering houseplants, always check the soil before watering and use a soil moisturemeter when watering. Use a humidifier to raise humidity levels around your plants if the air is excessively dry. Mist plants regularly and move plants closer to windows, if possible. Clean windows to allow maximum light transmission. Shift plants to new locations near brighter windows for winter.

In summary, houseplant care in winter involves reducing watering, paying attention to sunlight, avoiding temperature extremes, paused fertilizer, patrolling for pests, increasing humidity, and keeping foliage clean. By following these tips, you can help your houseplants thrive and survive the cooler, darker months.

Can I repot indoor plants in winter?

Winter is an ideal time to repot houseplants as they grow and require larger containers for better soil nourishment. Overwintering can prevent root-bound plants from dying, which can be a concern for avid gardeners. Signs of plant needing repotting include roots on the surface of the pots, roots growing out of drainage holes at the bottom, slow growth, coiling roots around the outside of the pot, or spiraling roots around the rootball.

Repotting plants is recommended before the new growing season, as many indoor plants prefer it before the spring season. Meadows Farms and the Great Big Greenhouse stock pottery from around the globe, receiving early shipments in winter, allowing them to have a wide selection at its peak. Repotting plants in the winter allows gardeners to keep their thumbs green instead of frostbite.

Do houseplants go dormant in winter?

Plants often experience periods of dormancy during the winter, which is essential for their survival. Symptoms of dormancy include wilting, dropping leaves, and appearing dead. However, some plants may not produce new growth during this period. Dormancy can be triggered by seasonal changes or environmental stress. Colder weather signals plants to go into dormancy before winter arrives, while environmental stress like lack of water, cold temperatures, or nutrients can also cause plants to conserve energy for future growth. Understanding whether plants are dormant or dying can be challenging due to similar symptoms.

How do you save a houseplant that got too cold?

Cold shock is a common issue that affects plants, especially those that are exposed to temperatures below their native grow zone. It can occur after an unexpected cold spell, affecting both outdoor plants and indoor plants. To treat cold shock, water the affected plants with an inch of water, avoid fertilizing them during this time, and be patient with pruning.

Tropical plants can suffer cold shock when temperatures drop below 50 degrees, and if a plant is placed on a windowsill, it may be exposed to cold outdoor air. If the glass isn’t insulated, damage to the plant’s foliage can occur.

Plants are identified with a hardiness rating that matches where they can safely be grown. Most houseplants are tropical plants that can grow in a heated home during winter, but they will never survive outdoors unless the temperature stays at least above 50 degrees.

How to water indoor plants in winter?

Plants require less water in winter, and a twice-weekly watering schedule can lead to a decrease in water demands. It is crucial to maintain summer water levels to avoid damaging plants and causing root rot, which can lead to sudden death. Some plants, like Caladium, may go dormant or die off during winter, so they don’t need water at all. Cacti should be given a miss over winter, while succulents should be watered every 3 to 4 weeks or once a month.

Watering schedules can be challenging, especially during seasonal changes. The finger test becomes unreliable in winter, so it’s essential to read up on individual plant needs and check the soil at root level before watering.

Should I feed my indoor plants in winter?

The theory that plants need warmth and light to grow is correct, but it’s not always the best practice. In winter, there’s less of both, so cutting out fertilizing isn’t necessarily harmful. Incorrect fertiliser application can cause more plant problems than using none at all, regardless of the time of year. Factors like lighting, temperature, and use of grow lights and heat mats also play a role. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your plants and avoid giving them advice that doesn’t apply to them.

Where to put indoor plants in winter?

House plants require a temperature of 12-18°C and should be kept away from cold drafts and open windows or doors. Leave curtains open at night to trap cold air, or move plants off windowsills at night. Avoid heat sources like radiators and fireplaces to avoid scorching foliage. Check for pests, such as aphids, scale insects, thrips, and mealybugs, by inspecting plants thoroughly under leaves and on top. Summer-out plants should be checked to prevent introduction of new pests and remove any found. Regular inspections throughout the winter can help address pest problems.

What happens to indoor plants in winter?

Houseplants tend to go “dormant” in the fall and winter months, requiring less light and less growth, resulting in less water and fertilizer needed. To prevent root rot, fungus, and mold, water plants only when the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface. In winter, warm water is better as it helps plants grow faster and larger while keeping them warm. Most houseplant owners use a “once per week” schedule for watering, but reduce the amount by 25-50 on weekly watering days.

To increase humidity levels, keep your humidifier running if you have one. If you don’t have one, cluster your plants together in the most humid rooms of your home, such as the bathrooms or kitchen, or place them on a large tray or baking sheet filled with water. Place stones in the water to prevent the pots from touching the water.

In summary, reducing watering, increasing humidity, and maintaining a consistent home environment are essential for healthy houseplants.

Can houseplants survive cold?

Houseplants typically only tolerate temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. If you’re heating only one room, ensure your plants are in that room. Keep them warm and away from windows and draughts, as temperatures fluctuate significantly. Some houseplants are particularly resilient to cold temperatures and draughts, making them ideal for winter weather. The UK’s consensus is that 18 to 21 degrees Celsius is the ideal range for home temperatures, but it’s important to keep your home in this range for health and comfort. However, there may be occasions when temperatures drop below this.

Is it okay to repot monstera in winter?

Repotting a Monstera is crucial for its growth and health, as it allows roots to spread and access more nutrients and water. The best time to repot is during the active growing season, from early spring through early fall. Repotting should be avoided in winter, but mild climates may allow it in the fall. Choose a pot with ample drainage holes and a larger size for smaller plants. An ideal soil mix for Monstera Deliciosa is one that mimics tropical rainforest floor materials, with a well-drained mix rich in peat or coco coir to prevent root rot, a common issue for Monstera plants. Overall, repotting is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving Monstera plant.

How do I keep my plants alive in the winter?

This article provides seven tips for caring for houseplants during winter. The first tip is to increase light, as the sun sets earlier and is lower in the sky. Most plants will adjust to the seasonal change in their current spot, while others might need to be moved closer to their light source, such as a window. Gradually rotating plants every few days or moving them closer to the sill can help them straighten out. If plants have spindly new growth, move them closer to the sill. Alternatively, consider adding supplemental lighting with a grow light.

The second tip is to be mindful of temperature. Extreme changes in temperature can cause indoor plants to stress out. Keep plants away from open windows, front doors, heating units, and radiators, as they can quickly dry them out. Most common varieties of houseplants prefer temperatures around 75°F. By following these tips, you can help your houseplants cope with the winter blues and enjoy a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Do house plants go dormant in winter?

Houseplants, including those native to tropical regions, tend to grow year-round unless they are specifically adapted to a dormant period. However, their growth may slow down during winter due to conserving energy due to less daylight. This reduced growth necessitates less water and fertilizer, but it doesn’t mean they don’t need more care. Regular watering and fertilizer use should be reduced, with natural plant food being gentle enough to use all year round.

Repotting houseplants during winter is generally not recommended due to stress and the plant’s already dealing with lower light levels and potentially cooler temperatures. Wait until the spring growing season to give your plants a fresh start, and only repot if absolutely necessary, such as if the plant has been overwatered or is experiencing root rot. Most houseplants are native to tropical regions, so they are likely to continue growing year-round unless adapted to a dormant period.