How To Get Houseplants Ready For The Cold?

In the winter, houseplants need to adapt to their environment by adjusting their watering routine, avoiding extreme temperatures, and monitoring humidity levels. To help them prepare for their dormant period, it is essential to reduce watering and adjust the humidity levels.

Indoor plants can be particularly susceptible to dust, pests, and debris that can accumulate on their leaves and hinder growth. To prepare for winter, it is crucial to adjust the watering routine, move plants closer to light sources or use grow lights. Fertilizer and watering go hand in hand, so it is essential to be mindful of temperature, embrace dormancy, dust off leaves, forgo fertilizer, and vacation with ease.

To care for houseplants during winter, follow these tips:

1. Cut back on watering. Winter means less light, which means less water.
2. Pay attention to sunlight.
3. Don’t worry about dropped leaves.
4. Avoid temperature extremes.
5. Pause the fertilizer.
6. Patrol for houseplant pests.
7. Increase humidity.
8. Keep foliage clean.

By following these tips, you can help your houseplants prepare for the colder weather by adjusting their watering routine, adjusting humidity levels, and ensuring they receive enough light. Remember to also be mindful of pests and avoid feeding them when necessary.

In conclusion, winter care for houseplants requires careful planning and attention to watering, humidity levels, and exposure. By following these tips, you can ensure your houseplants thrive in bright light and adapt to the changing seasons.

Should you 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.

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 fertilize indoor plants in winter?

The winter season is not typically conducive to fertilization, as houseplants are not actively growing. However, indoor gardeners should implement a regular fertilization regimen in the spring and summer, when plants are undergoing active growth.

What time of year is best to repot houseplants?

The optimal time for repotting plants is during the late winter or early spring period. This allows the plants to absorb nutrients from the new soil and to expand their root systems in larger pots, thereby ensuring their readiness for the summer season.

How cold is too cold for most houseplants?

When nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F, it’s time to bring plants indoors as most houseplants are native to tropical areas and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Most indoor plants will suffer damage when temperatures drop to the mid to lower 40s°F, and nearly all will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures. Before bringing plants indoors, check for insects and rinse off foliage while still outside. Once inside, keep plants isolated from other plants for 3 to 4 weeks.

Common indoor plant pests like scale, mealybug, aphids, whitefly, ants, or cockroaches will be evident after a month or so indoors. Inspect and address any issues as soon as they are noticed to prevent infestations on other plants. Place plants back inside in bright, indirect light, as even the brightest indoor locations are a fraction of the light intensity of conditions in a shade or part-shade location outside.

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 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.

Can you repot houseplants all year round?

Repotting plants is best done in late winter, as it encourages new growth and encourages plants to awaken from their winter doldrums. Larger pots lead to larger root masses and larger plants, but larger plants require more room and are harder to move outside during summer. It is generally acceptable to let some plants get rootbound, as this keeps them smaller and easier to manage. Pot size should be gradually increased, starting with small pots and gradually increasing as the plant grows. Once the pot is removed, check for root circling to ensure proper repotting.

Can houseplants recover from cold?

To assess cold damage on a plant, gently move the root ball to determine its looseness. A firm, solidly entrenched plant should have a healthy root system that can recover and support new growth. If the root ball is loose and easily moved, it may have suffered severe damage and the entire plant is in danger. After the cold has passed, gentle watering can help rehydrate drought-stricken plants, but avoid overwatering to stimulate new growth and stress the weakened plant. Fertilizing a cold-damaged plant can stimulate new growth but may put too much energy into it. Instead, keep the plant hydrated and avoid unnecessary fertilization.

Which fertilizer is best for plants in winter?

In South Africa, winter fertilization is essential for maintaining plant health and growth. Some suitable options include organic compost, nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Organic compost enriches soil with nutrients and improves its structure, while nitrogen-rich fertilizers promote healthy leaf growth. Phosphorus supports root development and flower growth, while potassium enhances plant vigor and disease resistance. It is important to apply these fertilizers sparingly to ensure adequate nitrogen supply. Overall, winter fertilization is crucial for maintaining plant health and growth.