Four Ways to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in Winter
If you’re feeling a little lethargic, perhaps a little pale and dry, imagine how your houseplants are feeling at this time of year. While the sun shines through the windows all summer and the indoor temperature is around 70 degrees, in the winter it’s all shadows and drafts. As a result, your plants may look a little dull. Here are four ways to make them happier.
Adjust the light
It’s not just that sunlight is lower in the sky, it’s also available for fewer hours per day. To make sure your plants get enough vitamin D, you can try moving them closer to south-facing windows, but you may end up needing human help. Grow lights can ensure that your plant gets sunlight where it needs it for as many hours as it needs (8 to 12 hours is a fantastic amount for light-loving plants). If you can make do with a window, rotate the plant from time to time to provide light from different directions.
Slow down your watering
I know that watering is a way of giving plants love, but it is also a way that we drown them. Plants have slowed down their growth for the winter, so they simply don’t have the same need for moisture. Too much water leads to root rot, and constantly wet soil becomes a target for mosquitoes. Ideally, water just enough so that the soil is moist but not wet when you dip your finger down a few inches. The soil should have time to dry out between waterings. Water only with warm water, and if you pay attention, your thirsty plants will perk up after watering.
Dust the leaves
If you love your plants, you will care for their leaves by dusting them. Plants absorb nutrients from the air through their leaves, and their pores can become clogged with dust. To clean them, spray them with water and wipe with a cloth.
If you observe problems with the leaves—for example, all the leaves are falling off—this could be a sign of over- or under-watering. If the leaves are scorched, it may be a sign of too much sunlight or too close proximity.
Create a welcoming atmosphere
Your plants need the same conditions as you do – a comfortable temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees. They don’t like having hot or cold air blown on them, as either will dry them out. They like humidity, so installing a humidifier is a good idea. Every houseplant has specific needs: full sun, partial sun, partial shade or full shade, and you should consider these needs when providing sun exposure throughout the day.
Fine-tuning these factors results in happier plants. You can try adjusting each setting—water, sun, cleanliness, and humidity—to see the results and choose what each plant needs.