Hey plants lovers winter is comes here now some plant lover get tense about how to keep alive and healthy their plants in this winter, dont worry, today i going to share some winter houseplants care tips to keep your indoor plants happy and healthy during the colder months.
As winter comes, the growing season slows down, and houseplants enter a more dormant phase. This means their needs change—less water, different light conditions, and adjustments in placement.
I’ve put together 13 essential winter houseplant care tips that will help you keep your indoor garden thriving. Let’s get right into it!
Adjust Watering Habits
Tip 1: Reduce Watering Frequency
We can reduce our watering frequency in winter by about half because plants aren’t growing as much. Since they’re in a dormant phase, they use fewer resources, including water.
For example, if I water my Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew plant) once a week in summer, I’ll cut that down to twice a month in winter.
Tip 2: Use Less Water Per Session
In winter, it’s not just about watering less frequently,
We should also use less water when we do water.
For instance, if my Peperomia usually gets one cup of water, I’ll reduce it to two-thirds of a cup during winter.
Tip 3: Use Room-Temperature Water
Always use lukewarm water when watering houseplants in winter. Cold water can shock the roots, slowing down their ability to absorb nutrients.
Leaving water out in a cold room can make it too cold for plants. Before watering, ensure it’s at a comfortable room temperature to prevent stress.
Provide the Right Light
Tip 4: Reposition Plants for Maximum Light
During winter, the sun’s path shifts, which means the way light enters your home will change. This can affect how much sunlight your plants receive.
I highly recommend moving light-loving plants as close to windows as possible to maximize natural light. For plants that can tolerate lower light, place them a bit further away.
5: Rotate Plants Regularly
Some plants will lean towards the light source. To encourage even growth, rotate your plants every couple of weeks. My Syngonium has really benefited from this simple trick.
6: Consider Grow Lights
If you’re struggling with low natural light, grow lights are a great solution. I’m currently using Soltech Solutions lights, which provide both good performance and aesthetics.
While these lights work well for ornamentals, they may not be ideal for growing edible plants indoors. Still, there are plenty of affordable grow light options that can keep your houseplants happy during winter.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing and Repotting
Tip 7: Pause Fertilization
Since most houseplants slow their growth in winter, they don’t need as many nutrients. Over-fertilizing during this time can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm your plants.
Save fertilization for spring, when your plants will resume active growth and need the extra boost.
8: Avoid Repotting Until Spring
Just like with fertilizing, repotting isn’t necessary during winter. Since plants aren’t growing much, they won’t need extra space right now.
I personally like to repot at the end of winter, right before spring starts, to help my plants adjust to their new environment just as they begin growing again.
Maintain Proper Temperature and Humidity
Tip 9: Keep Plants Away from Heaters
In winter, it gets pretty dang cold in my house, so I sometimes run the heater. But heat vents and portable heaters dry out the air and can dehydrate plants.
Make sure your plants aren’t sitting directly in front of heating vents or space heaters, as this can cause humidity levels to drop and stress your plants.
Tip 10: Avoid Drafty Windows
While you don’t want plants near heaters, you also don’t want them too close to drafty windows or air conditioning units.
Even though my portable AC unit is off for the winter, if the window slides open, cold drafts can sneak in and shock my plants. A quick scan around your indoor garden will help you find and fix these issues.
Tip 11: Use a Humidifier
Winter heating can drastically lower indoor humidity levels, which isn’t ideal for tropical plants that thrive in higher humidity.
While placing a tray of pebbles with water near your plants can help slightly, a humidifier is the best solution to maintain optimal humidity levels.
I’ll drop a link to my favorite humidifier below—highly recommend it for anyone growing moisture-loving plants like ferns and Calatheas.
Watch for Pests and Diseases
Tip 12: Inspect Plants for Pests
Winter is prime time for spider mites, which love dry air. Since we tend to check our plants less in winter, pest infestations can go unnoticed.
Make it a habit to inspect the undersides of leaves and check for tiny webbing or unusual spots. Even my Satin Pothos which usually doesn’t have pest problems gets a quick check just in case.
Catching pests early ensures your plants stay healthy when spring arrives.
Prune and Maintain Plants
Tip 13: Prune, Shape, and Propagate
Winter is a great time to prune dead leaves and give your plants a little shape-up.
I like to cut off any dead or diseased material, making sure my plants stay neat and healthy. Plus, you can propagate the clippings and get them ready for spring!
I personally use my Epic Harvest pruning snips (link below if you’re interested—only 100 available this holiday season!).
Taking the time to trim and reshape your plants ensures they’re ready for a strong comeback in the spring.