When the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, signs of life from all the flora and fauna naturally slip away. During the winter season, tree branches become bare, grass goes dormant, and flowers take to hibernating. Although the outdoor world turns quiet during the colder months, you can still get your gardening fix (without having to wait until spring) by tending to your houseplants.
But because indoor plants grow more slowly in winter, you’ll need to create the right conditions to help your vegetation thrive. Since winter brings dry air, less sunlight, and slower growth, you might face challenges like yellowing leaves, drooping stems, and extra-moist soil. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can give your plants the love and care they need to stay healthy and happy all season long.
Wondering how? These 10 easy tips outline how to care for your houseplants in winter, so they’ll stay fresh and vibrant until the spring sunshine returns.
1. Adjust your watering schedule.
Overwatering is one of the top winter houseplant killers. Since plants tend to grow more slowly during the winter season, your houseplants will naturally get less thirsty. To prevent root rot and keep your vegetation surviving and thriving, wait to water your plants until the top one or two inches of soil is dry.
2. Let the natural light in.
Because there’s less daylight in winter, you’ll need to strike while the iron (er, sunlight?) is hot. To give your houseplants as much light as possible, move your pots closer to the windows that face the south or west, and remove any obstructions to the light. Rotating your pots every other week will also maximize sunlight and promote even growth. If your home doesn't get a lot of natural light as is, a grow light can help!
3. Dial up the humidity.
When the heater is cranked up, the air inside your house gets dry fairly quickly, which is a silent killer for tropical houseplants—especially fiddle leaf figs, calatheas, and ferns. To keep your greens' home nice and humid, move your houseplants away from heaters and group them together in a cluster to simulate a microclimate. Humidifiers and pebble trays will also help lock in moisture in the air!
4. Be wary of temperature extremes.
Plants love moderate conditions. For most, 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature. While your indoor thermostat is likely set somewhere within that window, cold drafts and hot air can sabotage this. So, keep your vegetation away from drafty doors and windows and heating vents.
5. Look out for pests.
Yes, pests can still eat your plants in winter! In fact, spider mites and fungus gnats thrive in dry indoor conditions. Luckily, you can prevent bugs by regularly inspecting and washing the leaves. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, or opt for a natural pest repellent like neem oil, diluted peppermint oil, or insecticidal soap.
6. Prune and dust your plants.
As you examine your houseplants’ leaves for pests, use the opportunity to intentionally prune and dust them, too. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, and give the surface of each leaf a good wipe-down to help them better absorb sunlight.
7. Push pause on fertilization.
Because houseplants don’t do much growing in winter, caring for them won’t involve much—if any—fertilization. For most of your houseplants, push pause on fertilizing until early spring. If any of your greens are actively growing, opt for a diluted feed instead.
8. Refrain from repotting.
Winter isn't the time to repot your houseplants, unless it's absolutely necessary. If the roots are severely bound or the plant is sick, repot your plant in a slightly larger pot. Otherwise, wait until spring to do the honors.
9. Give succulents special care.
While all your houseplants need less water and more sunlight in winter, succulents require even less water and even more sunlight. Before you think about grabbing your watering can, wait until the soil of your potted plant is completely dried out. As for natural light, scope out the brightest possible spot inside your house to keep yours.
10. Be patient (with yourself and your plants).
During the winter season, indoor plants tend to slow down, conserve their energy, and even drop a few leaves. So, if you notice that the growth has slowed or halted or the leaves have begun to yellow or droop, don't panic—this is completely normal! Be patient with yourself and your beloved floral and fauna during this maintenance period.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
