How to Keep Your Plants Happy in the Winter Months

Ah, winter—the season of cosy blankets, warm drinks, and shorter days.

But while we’re bundling up to stay warm, our leafy friends are facing some tough challenges. As the days grow darker and colder, indoor plants need a little extra TLC to stay healthy and happy.

Don’t worry, though—keeping your plants thriving in the late fall and winter months doesn’t have to be complicated.

This blog post will tell you all the ways to help you keep your houseplants happy over the Winter months.

Why Is Winter Tough for Plants?

Winter brings a host of challenges for indoor houseplants:

• Shorter days mean less natural light.
• Dry air from central heating can lower humidity levels.
• Cold drafts and fluctuating temperatures can stress your plants.
• Overwatering or neglecting changes in their watering routine can lead to root rot.

Understanding these seasonal changes helps us adjust our plant care routine to give our green friends what they need.

1. Light: Finding Enough in the Dark Cold Months

One of the biggest challenges during winter is the lack of sunlight. With fewer daylight hours and lower light levels, it’s harder for plants to photosynthesize. Here’s how to help:

• Find the Brightest Window: Place your plants near a bright window, ideally south- or west-facing, to maximize the amount of light they get.
• Use a Grow Light: If your home doesn’t get much natural light, investing in a full-spectrum grow light is a good idea. These mimic sunlight and can make a big difference for tropical plants like monstera and fiddle leaf figs.
• Rotate Your Plants: Turn your pots every week to ensure all sides of your plant get equal light exposure.
• Keep Them Clean: Dust on plant leaves blocks light, so wipe them with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and ready to soak up every ray.

2. Water: Less Is More in the Colder Months

During the winter season, plants go into a semi-dormant phase, meaning they don’t need as much water as they do in the warmer months. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot during this time of year.

• Adjust Your Watering Schedule: A general rule is to wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
• Check Your Soil: Stick your finger into the soil to feel for moisture, and avoid watering on a strict schedule—listen to your plant’s needs instead.
• Avoid Cold Water: Use room-temperature water to prevent shocking your plants.

3. Humidity: How to Manage Changes in Humidity

Combat the dry air:

Indoor heating creates low humidity, which can leave your tropical plants like ferns, calatheas, and air plants struggling. Plants native to humid conditions are particularly sensitive to dry air, so boosting humidity is key.

• Create a More Humid Microclimate: Group your plants together to increase humidity levels naturally.
• Use a Humidifier: The most effective way to raise humidity is by placing a small humidifier near your plants.
• Pebble Tray: Place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath your pots to create a mini more humid environment as the water evaporates.
• Mist Sparingly: For some plants, an occasional misting can help, but it’s not a fix-all.

However, your living space can become more humid, due to wet weather, condensation, reduced ventilation, and other factors.

Higher humidity isn’t always bad for houseplants, especially tropical varieties like ferns or Calatheas, which thrive in humid conditions. However, too much moisture can lead to issues like:

• Mould or mildew on soil or leaves.
• Increased risk of pests like fungus gnats.
• Powdery mildew or other fungal diseases

Combat high humidity:

• Ventilation: Open windows occasionally to let fresh air circulate and prevent excess moisture from building up.
• Dehumidifier: If the humidity feels excessive (above 60%), consider using a small dehumidifier.
• Air Circulation: Place a fan in the room to keep the air moving and discourage stagnant moisture.
• Plant Placement: Avoid clustering plants too closely to prevent overly damp microclimates.
• Monitor Humidity: Use a hygrometer to check levels. Most houseplants prefer a range between 40-60% humidity.

While a bit of extra humidity can be good for many indoor plants, it’s all about balance to avoid mould or other damp-related issues!

4. Temperature: Keep It Stable

Indoor plants thrive in a stable environment, but cold drafts and heat sources can cause cold damage or stress.

• Avoid Extreme Changes: Keep plants away from cold windows, doors, and heating vents. Sudden cold air or bursts of heat can harm their delicate leaves.
• Maintain the Right Range: Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Lower temperatures can cause stress, while anything too warm can dry them out.

5. Pests: Watch for Winter Creepers

The drier air and lower light of winter can make your plants more susceptible to pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, and powdery mildew.

• Inspect Regularly: Check the leaves of your plants for signs of pests. Early detection is key to keeping infestations under control.
• Use Neem Oil: This natural treatment can combat most common pests without harming your plants.
• Clean Plant Leaves: A damp cloth is your best friend for wiping off dust and pests.

6. Repotting: Hold Off Until Spring

Winter isn’t the best time to repot your plants. Most plants are in a dormant period during the cold winter months, so it’s better to wait until the early spring growing season.

However, if you spot root rot or other serious issues, a mid-winter repotting may be necessary.

7. Keep Your Plant Babies Cosy

Sometimes, all your plants need is a little bit of extra warmth and attention during these colder temperatures. Consider these simple ways to keep them comfortable:

• Add a Layer of Mulch: For outdoor plants, a layer of mulch can help insulate their roots from frost.
• Bubble Wrap Pots: For tender plants near cold windows, wrap the pots in bubble wrap to protect the roots.
• Clean the Air: Open a window for a few minutes (when it’s not freezing!) to bring in some fresh air, but don’t let your plants sit in cold drafts.

8. Give Yourself Some Grace

The dark winter months can be hard, not just for plants but for plant parents too. If you notice yellow leaves, leaf drop, or a bit of wilting, don’t panic—it’s often part of the natural seasonal change. Use this time to learn more about the type of plant you’re caring for and adjust your care routine as needed.

FAQ: Winter Plant Care

1. How often should I water my plants in winter?
During winter, most house plants need less water because they aren’t growing as actively. A general guideline is to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to underwater slightly than to overdo it.

2. What’s the best way to increase humidity for my plants?
Here are some easy ways to combat low humidity:

• Use a humidifier near your plants.
• Place a tray of water and pebbles under your pots to create a more humid microclimate.
• Group your plants together to naturally raise humidity levels.
• Avoid placing plants near central heating or vents, which create drier air.

3. Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow or dropping?
Yellow leaves or leaf drop are common during the winter season. Causes include:

• Overwatering: Cut back on water during the colder months.
• Low light levels: Move your plant to a bright window or use a grow light.
• Cold drafts: Keep plants away from cold air or cold windows.
• Seasonal changes: Some plants naturally shed a few leaves in winter to conserve energy.

4. Do I need to fertilise my plants in the winter?
No, winter is not the best time to fertilise houseplants. Most plants are in a dormant phase and don’t need extra nutrients. Save fertilisation for the late winter or early spring, when the growing season begins.

5. How can I prevent pests like spider mites and fungus gnats?
Pests are a common issue during winter due to low humidity and stagnant indoor air. To prevent and treat pests:

• Spider mites: Raise humidity levels and wipe down plant leaves with a damp cloth.
• Fungus gnats: Avoid overwatering and let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. You can also use sticky traps or a light layer of sand on top of the soil.
• Inspect your plants regularly to catch pests early.

6. Should I repot my plants in winter?
Winter isn’t the best time to repot plants because they’re dormant and not actively growing. Wait until early spring unless there’s an emergency, like root rot or a pest infestation.

7. Can I propagate plants in the winter?
While propagation is more successful during the warmer months, you can still propagate certain plants, like pothos or snake plants, in winter. Just be patient, as growth will likely be slower due to lower temperatures and less light.

8. Is it okay to mist my plants during winter?
Misting can help with humidity for some plants, but it’s not a cure-all. Avoid misting plants with fuzzy leaves, like African violets, as it can lead to powdery mildew. For plants that enjoy humid conditions, consider a humidifier for a more effective way to boost moisture levels.

9. My plants look sad in the darker months. What can I do?
The dark winter months can be tough for plants. To perk them up:

• Use a grow light if your home doesn’t have enough light.
• Remove dead leaves to encourage healthy growth.
• Adjust your watering routine to match the plant’s reduced needs.
• Make sure they’re not near cold drafts or heat sources like radiators.

10. How can I protect outdoor plants in freezing temperatures?
For outdoor plants in winter:

• Add a layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots.
• Use bubble wrap or burlap to wrap pots or tender plants.
• Bring tender plants indoors if possible.
• Water sparingly, as frozen roots are more prone to damage.

11. Why is my houseplant mouldy?
Mould on the soil or plant is usually caused by excess moisture and poor airflow. During the colder months, overwatering and the lack of fresh air can create ideal conditions for mould. To fix this:

• Reduce the amount of water and let the top inch of soil dry out.
• Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
• Remove mouldy soil and replace it with fresh, dry potting soil.
• Improve airflow around the plant, and avoid placing it in overly humid areas.

12. Should I move my plants away from the windows?
It depends on the type of plant and the conditions near your windows:

• If the windows are drafty or get extremely cold, move your plants a little further away to prevent cold damage to their leaves.
• For plants that need bright natural light, keep them close to the window but shield them from cold drafts with a curtain or plastic insulation.
• In darker rooms, a bright window is often the best light source, so leave your plants there but check regularly for signs of stress like leaf drop or yellow leaves.

Winter may be a tough time for plants, but with a few adjustments to your plant care routine, your leafy friends can survive—and maybe even thrive—until the warm months return. Whether it’s tweaking your watering routine, adding a grow light, or creating a more humid microclimate, small changes can make a big difference.

So, grab a cup of coffee, admire your plant babies, and enjoy the cosy joy they bring to your home—even in the depths of winter. Happy plant parenting!