The Seasonal blues aren’t exclusive to humans; even plants go through them. With the shorter days, wilting and drooping leaves signify less sunlight. Now, this begs the question of how to help your houseplants this winter.

Winter is challenging. The drastic temperature changes caused by colder wind drafts and the frequency with which your house’s temperature changes can lead to shock, stunted growth, or leaf drop. This, coupled with the decreased humidity from constant indoor heating to keep warm, reduces relative humidity to 20–30%, far below the optimal range of 30–50% (EPA). This low humidity level causes water loss through leaves, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Many of us have noticed our plants lately looking discolored, with brittle-looking stems and dry, fragile, drooping leaves. This usually ends with us googling defeatedly “How to Help Your Houseplants This Winter.” This is a simple guide to answering this query with a detailed step-by-step solution for how to help your houseplants this winter.

Step 1: Temperature

Check the Room Temperature

This varies for different plant types:

• Tropical Plants 60-75°F (15-24°C): Tropical plants thrive in warm, consistent temperatures and do not handle cold drafts or sudden temperature changes well. Tropical plants are used to a warm climate with high humidity, so anything below 60°F (15°C) can cause them to stop growing or suffer from cold damage, such as leaf drop or brown spots.
• Succulents and Cacti 50-70°F (10-21°C): Succulents and cacti, especially desert varieties, prefer cooler temperatures in winter. They still need warmth during the day but can tolerate lower nighttime temperatures.

These plants need a calmer environment to replicate their natural dormant period, but exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to severe damage, like frostbite or rot.

Avoid Hot and Cold Extremes

How to Do It

• Avoid placing plants near windows, doors, or vents where cold air can flow freely. Drafts are especially harmful at night when temperatures can drop suddenly.
• Also, avoid placing plants near radiators, space heaters, or fireplaces. These heat sources can dry out plants quickly and lead to soil moisture loss, stressing the roots.
• Sudden cold temperatures can shock plants, especially tropical species, leading to stunted growth or leaf damage. Drafts also dry out the air, which can stress plants even further.

Pro Tip

Choose a heater and a humidifier combined to maintain adequate moisture levels for your tropical plants. Look for ones that distribute heat more evenly and prevent air from becoming overly dry, like a ceramic or oil-filled radiator heater.

Also Read: Afforestation Vs. Reforestation: Key Differences And Their Environmental Impact

Step 2: Natural Light Exposure

Most modern buildings’ South—or West-facing windows receive maximum sun exposure during winter. Position your plants accordingly in front of these windows.

Keep plants away from cold glass. Position the plants at least 2 inches from cold window glass to protect them from sudden temperature changes. Cold glass can cause frost damage or extreme temperature fluctuations, afflicting them with leaf burn or stunted growth.

Pro Tip

Use a timer for grow lights and set them to run for 12-16 hours daily to emulate natural sunlight and elevate healthy plant growth by providing a uniform light cycle.

Step 3: Adjust Watering

• Test Soil Moisture: Insert your finger 1-2 inches into the soil to check for moisture. This ensures you’re not overwatering, which is common in winter.
• Don’t Overwater: Plants use less water during winter due to slower growth and lower evaporation rates. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Water Early in the Day: Water your plants in the morning and give them ample time to dry before evening. This allows enough time for the soil to dry throughout the day, reducing prolonged dampness at night and decreasing the chances of fungal infections.

Pro Tip

Wait until the soil is arid before watering for succulents and similar plants.

Also Read: 7 Rare Plants From The Tundra Biome

Step 4: Reduce Fertilizer Use

Cut fertilizer frequency and limit fertilization to once a month or stop entirely for plants that enter dormancy during winter.

Dilute Fertilizer or mix fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding your plants. Most houseplants grow more slowly or dormant during winter, requiring fewer nutrients. Overuse of fertilizer can lead to salt buildup in the soil, damaging roots.

Pro Tip

•  Skip fertilizer for dormant plants. If your plant shows slower growth, yellowing, or leaf drop, skip fertilizing entirely.
• Plants in dormancy do not actively use nutrients, so fertilizing during this time can stress the plant and hinder recovery when the growing season returns.

Step 5: Humidity Levels

The common misconception that plants dry out and need increased humidity during the colder months is a sham. While misting things can temporarily relieve, it doesn’t significantly raise humidity levels. Misting creates localized moisture but evaporates quickly, making it less effective for long-term plant health.

Pro Tip

Combine a humidifier with other techniques, like grouping plants and using water trays to maximize efficacy.

Step 6: Protect from Pests

Inspect your plant regularly and look for signs of pests. Check your plants weekly for common pests like spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats. Spot the clues and look for indicators like delicate webs, sticky residue (honeydew), or tiny black or white dots on the leaves and stems. Early detection of pests helps prevent infestations from spreading, which can severely damage or even kill your plants.

Treat as needed using natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps to wipe down leaves. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean leaves, gently removing visible pests and residue. Prompt treatment minimizes plant damage and prevents pests from moving to nearby healthy plants.

Pro Tip

Improve air circulation by placing a fan near your plants (set to low) to enhance air circulation. Good airflow makes it harder for pests to settle and thrive. It also reduces leaf moisture buildup, which can attract pests like fungus gnats.

Step 7: Refrain from Repotting in Winter

Delay Repotting: It is wise to hold off until spring unless necessary (e.g. if the plant is severely root-bound or has outgrown its pot). If repotting is unavoidable, opt for a pot slightly larger than the current root system to minimize stress on the plant.

Winter is a period of slower growth for most plants, and repotting can disrupt their natural cycle. Spring is a more active growing period, allowing plants to recover from repotting stress quickly.

Pro Tip

Prune for Stress Reduction: Trim dead or dying parts if your plant is too large to report comfortably or showing signs of strain.

Step 8:Final Step

Gradually, as time passes and months change, try to start acclimating your plants to slightly more sunlight exposure each day, similar to outdoor conditions, to avoid sunburn.

Once it is established, continue with your seasonal tasks of refreshing the soil, pruning dead leaves, and resuming regular fertilizing.

Also Read: Five Low-Maintenance House Plants From Home Depot in 2024

In Conclusion

In conclusion, caring for houseplants during the winter months requires attention to light, temperature, humidity, and water needs. By providing adequate light, ensuring the right temperature range, increasing humidity, and adjusting watering schedules, you can help your plants thrive even in colder conditions. Regular monitoring and adjusting your care routine as needed will keep your houseplants healthy and vibrant throughout the winter season, allowing them to flourish when spring arrives. I hope this guide provides the solution to the question: How to Help Your Houseplants this Winter.

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