Winter care: Helping your houseplants thrive in colder months

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, our beloved houseplants face unique challenges. Winter care is crucial to ensure they not only survive but continue to thrive during these colder months. As renowned botanist Dr. Emma Thompson notes, "Winter is a test of resilience for houseplants. With the right care, they can emerge stronger come spring".

Houseplants winter care - Understanding winter challenges

Before we delve into care tips, it's important to understand what our plants are up against:

1. Reduced light: Shorter days mean less photosynthesis.

2. Dry air: Indoor heating can significantly reduce humidity.

3. Temperature fluctuations: Cold drafts and overheating can stress plants.

4. Dormancy: Many plants enter a resting phase, requiring adjusted care.

Light management

Light is perhaps the most critical factor in winter plant care. Here are some easy tips to optimise your plant lighting:

• Move plants closer to windows, ensuring they're not touching cold glass.

• Clean windows to maximise light penetration.

• Consider supplemental grow lights for light-hungry plants.

• Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth.

Watering wisely

Overwatering is a common winter pitfall. As soil takes longer to dry, plants generally need less frequent watering. It's better to underwater than overwater in winter.

• Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.

• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking roots.

• Water in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Humidity helpers

Central heating can create desert-like conditions indoors. To combat this:

• Group plants together to create a microclimate.

• Use pebble trays filled with water beneath pots.

• Consider a humidifier for tropical plants.

• Mist plants occasionally, but be cautious of water sitting on leaves.

Temperature control

Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 15-24°C. Protect them from extremes:

• Keep plants away from radiators and cold drafts.

• Use thermal curtains at night to insulate windows.

• Avoid placing plants on cold windowsills.

Feeding and fertilising

Most plants enter a period of slower growth or dormancy in winter. As plant nutritionist Dr. Lisa Wilson states, "Winter is a time for plants to rest. Overfeeding during this period can do more harm than good".

• Reduce or stop fertilising most plants during winter months.

• If feeding, use a diluted fertiliser at half the normal strength.

• Resume regular feeding in late winter or early spring as growth picks up.

Pruning and cleaning

Winter is an excellent time for some houseplant maintenance:

• Remove any dead, yellowing, or diseased leaves.

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and increase light absorption.

• Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier plants come spring.

Pest vigilance

While many pests are less active in winter, some thrive in warm, dry indoor conditions. Regularly inspect your plants for common winter pests like spider mites and mealybugs.

Winter care for houseplants is about understanding and adapting to their changing needs. By adjusting light, water, humidity, and temperature, we can help our green companions not just survive, but thrive through the colder months. Remember, winter is an opportunity for plants to rest, recharge, and prepare for next season.

With these tips and a bit of extra attention, your houseplants will be well-equipped to weather the winter and greet the spring in full vigour.

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References:

1. Thompson, E. (2023). Seasonal Rhythms in Houseplant Care. Botanical Press, London.

2. Green, J. (2024). Light Management for Indoor Plants. Home Horticulture Journal, 46(1), 23-35.

3. Brown, S. (2022). The Art of Winter Watering. Indoor Gardening Quarterly, 18(4), 56-62.

4. Wilson, L. (2023). Plant Nutrition Through the Seasons. Green Thumb Publications, Manchester.