How To Take Care Of Indoor Plants In The Winter?

In winter, houseplants face challenges such as low humidity, cold drafts, low light, and insects. To keep them healthy and happy, it is essential to adjust watering, feeding, light, and heat for indoor plants. The ideal indoor temperature for houseplants is 60-75°F, so grow them in a warm room or run a space heater in the room.

To grow winter houseplants that flower or have colorful foliage indoors, discover 27 plants that brighten your home during the cold season. To help indoor plants prepare for their dormant period, decrease the amount of water and frequency of irrigation. Water only when the top one to two inches (2.5 cm) (2.5 cm) is above freezing.

Caring for houseplants in winter involves reducing watering, paying attention to sunlight, avoiding temperature extremes, and pause the feeding process. Fertilizer and watering go hand in hand, and most houseplants don’t need any fertilizer in winter because they are not growing as actively. Top tips from the RHS Gardening Advisors include:

1. Don’t overwater! With lower light levels and temperatures, plants will be growing less, so they will need more water.
2. Move houseplants closer to a window, stop the feeding, and take a break from fertilizing.
3. Amp up humidity, place plants in the best light, and avoid overwatering.
4. Care for indoor plants during winter months by giving them light, water, pruning, and re-potting, and monitoring pests.

Do indoor plants go dormant in the 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.

Should I mist my plants daily?

Misting plants depends on the season and air quality in your space. It’s recommended to mist a few times a week, but daily if possible. If you live in an arid climate with high climate control, misting should be more frequent. If your climate is more humid and you don’t constantly run the heat or air conditioner, misting once or twice a week might be sufficient. Experiment with frequency to find the best schedule for your plants. It’s crucial to mist the right parts of the plant to ensure water absorption.

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.

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.

Can plants recover from cold shock?

Cold shock occurs when temperatures drop below freezing, causing the water inside leaves to freeze and expand, rupturing the cell wall. This is permanent damage, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the plant will die. If the damage is isolated to a portion of the plant, it can be revived and recovered. There are four signs of cold shock:

1. Leaves wilt or curl, losing rigidity and losing their rigidity.
2. Leaves become discolored, with white or yellow spots or red spots.
3. Foliage or the entire plant becomes mushy and black, indicating an unsalvageable plant.
4. The root ball becomes loose, indicating frozen and damaged roots. Damage to the roots is also a sign that the plant is in dire shape and likely will not survive. The focus is on minimizing the damage and ensuring the plant’s survival.

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.

How do I know if it’s too cold for my plants?

Cold shock is a condition where a plant’s roots freeze and cause cell damage, causing the leaves to become less rigid and wilting. If this occurs, it’s likely due to cold shock. Root ball damage, which is the root’s primary function of anchoring the plant to the ground, can also occur when the root ball loosens, weakening the plant’s foundational support. If the plant appears lopsided or firmly anchored, it’s likely due to root ball damage. However, as long as ¾ of the total root zone remains undamaged, the plant should likely survive. Regular watering is crucial to prevent these issues.

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.

What is the lowest temperature houseplants can tolerate?

Tropical houseplants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. Cold temperatures below 50°F can cause problems. Healthy plants require cleaning to survive and maintain their health. Before bringing indoor plants, look for pests and repot them for fresh soil and new growth. Repotting houseplants helps maintain their health and prevents pests from affecting their growth.

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.

Why are my plants dying in winter?

Overwatering indoor houseplants during winter months is a common cause of plant death. It is difficult to determine the right watering interval, as it depends on the light and temperature of the room. Accurate monitoring of moisture around the root zone is crucial. Plastic pots tend to dry from the top down, while clay pots lose moisture from both sides and the top. Visual clues of soil drying out include shrinking, leaving a gap around the pot perimeter.

Experienced gardeners can determine the remaining water by weighing the pot and releasing the plant from its pot. For smaller plants, it is important to inspect the root system visually after a week. For larger plants, a stick or ruler can be used to check the moisture remaining.

During winter months, allow the soil to dry out like a freshly wrung-out dish towel, not too dry but not too moist. If the plant has dried out completely and the soil has shrunk away from the pot sides, place the pot in warm tap water and allow it to remain for an hour or two to allow the soil to reabsorb moisture. With practice, mastering the correct watering interval is possible.