Your Houseplants can not only Survive Winter but Thrive

Let’s talk about surviving winter with our green buddies. It’s that time of year, you know, when the sun decides to take a long vacation, and our homes turn into a desert thanks to the blasting heat. Not exactly a paradise for our leafy friends, right? But don’t you worry because with a little TLC, we can totally keep those plants happy and healthy all winter long.

Light it Up (or at least, try to!)
First things first: light. Or, rather, the lack of it. Winter means shorter days and less sunshine. Most houseplants will be pretty disappointed about this. So, what can you do?

• Location, location, location: Move your plants as close to a window as possible. South-facing windows are the gold standard, but any window that gets decent light will do.
• Rotate, rotate, rotate: Turn your plants regularly. This helps them get even light exposure and prevents them from leaning towards the sun.
• Consider a grow light: If your plants are really struggling, or you don’t have a sunny spot, think about investing in a grow light. They’re like little suns for your plants!

Watering Woes
Overwatering is a common killer in the winter. The plant’s not growing as much, so it doesn’t need as much water. Plus, the soil dries out slower.

• Check the soil: Before you water, stick your finger in the soil. If it’s still wet, hold off.
• Water less frequently: Reduce the frequency of your watering. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.
• Drainage is key: Make sure your pots have good drainage. No one wants soggy roots!

Humidity Hacks
Indoor heating dries out the air, which is not ideal for plants. Many of them crave humidity.

• Group your plants: Grouping plants together helps create a microclimate with higher humidity.
• Misting: Mist your plants regularly. It’s like a mini-spa day for them!
• Pebble trays: Place your pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around your plants.
• Humidifier: If you’re serious about humidity, a humidifier is a great investment.

Feeding Frenzy (or lack thereof)
Plants grow slower in winter, so they don’t need as much food.

• Reduce fertilizing: Cut back on fertilizing or stop it altogether during the winter months.
• Don’t overdo it: Too much fertilizer can actually harm your plants.

Other Winter Wonders

• Dusting: Dust can block sunlight. Wipe down your plant’s leaves regularly.
• Inspect for pests: Keep an eye out for any unwanted visitors. Winter can be a time when pests like to move indoors.
• Don’t repot: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid repotting your plants in winter. It’s a stressful time for them.

So there you have it. With a little extra care, your houseplants can not only survive winter but thrive. Now go forth and be the best plant parent you can be.