Houseplants are an excellent addition to any home, and they can be a great way to add a bit of greenery to any living space. Winter can be a tricky time for houseplants, but with the proper care and attention, they can survive and even thrive during the winter months. With the right temperature, humidity, and light, you can ensure that your houseplants get the best chance of surviving through the cold weather.
There are a few tips and tricks you can use to help boost your houseplants’ chances of making it through the winter, such as proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning. With a bit of effort, you can make sure that your houseplants remain healthy through the winter and beyond!
The Benefits of Houseplants
Houseplants offer more than just a touch of greenery and a pop of color to any room. There’s a reason why people love keeping them around – they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in return, making your home air clean and fresh!
Not to mention, they’re known to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and productivity, and even improve sleep. They’re great for boosting your mood and making your home look and feel much more inviting.
Maintaining houseplants during the wintertime isn’t as difficult as you may think. To ensure your plants stay healthy and happy, you’ll want to make sure they’re in a warm, comfortable environment. Try to keep the temperature in their vicinity around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure their soil is dry and not soggy.
Another important tip is to provide them with bright, indirect light.
This will help them to still photosynthesize and produce energy. When it comes to watering and fertilizing, you want to make sure to do it in moderation. Too much water or fertilizer can actually do more harm than good, so always err on the side of caution.
Make sure to only water your plants when their soil really starts to feel dry and to use a balanced fertilizer about once a month. Don’t forget about pruning – get rid of any dead or yellow leaves to help your plants stay healthy.
Maintaining Houseplants in Winter
Keeping your houseplants alive through the winter can be a challenge, but with a few adjustments, it can definitely be done! To make sure your houseplants make it through the cold months, it’s important to take into account the temperature, humidity, and light levels. Here are some tips to make sure your houseplants make it through the winter in good health:
When it comes to watering your houseplants, less is more in the winter – keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy. Fertilizing is also important during the winter. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but apply it at a lower than recommended rate. Pruning should be done sparingly during the winter months, as new growth can be damaged in the cold. You’ll want to make sure your plants get enough light, either through a window or with a grow light. With a few simple adjustments, your houseplants will make it through the winter in good health!
Proper Temperature
Maintaining the proper temperature for your houseplants during the winter is vital for their survival. A temperature between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for most houseplants, but some plants may require a slightly cooler temperature.
You should also try to keep your plants away from drafty windows or vents, as the cold air can be damaging. If you don’t have an ideal spot in your home, you can invest in a space heater or create a mini greenhouse.
The temperature of your home can also change with the seasons and environmental factors. Be sure to regularly monitor the temperature of your home to ensure that your houseplants are getting the right amount of heat.
You may also want to consider getting a thermometer to help you keep an eye on things. You should also be aware of the temperature of the soil. If the soil is too cold, the roots of your houseplants cannot absorb water, which can cause the plants to become dehydrated. To prevent this from happening, try to keep the soil at a temperature that is slightly higher than the air temperature.
Proper Humidity
Humidity is an important factor to consider when maintaining houseplants during the winter. Keeping the atmosphere around your houseplants at the right humidity level will ensure they stay healthy and strong. You can do this by placing a humidifier near your houseplants, misting them regularly, or grouping several houseplants together.
You can also use a humidity tray with stones or pebbles along with water. Place the tray near the houseplants that need more humidity and the water will evaporate, providing your plants with the extra humidity they need.
It’s also a good idea to move your houseplants away from drafty areas in the home, like windows and doors. The continuous changes in temperature and humidity can cause stress to your houseplants, leading to wilting, browning, and drying.
If you must keep your houseplants near a window, then make sure you keep your curtains or blinds closed when it’s cold outside. This will help keep the temperature and humidity in your home balanced for your houseplants.
Proper Light
Proper lighting is essential for houseplants to survive the winter. Without adequate light, they won’t have enough energy to thrive.
Choose a location with ample light such as near a sunny window. If possible, rotate your plants every few weeks so that all sides get equal exposure to sunlight. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can buy a grow light to provide enough energy for your plants.
Make sure the bulb is the correct type and distance from the plant.
To keep your plants healthy and strong throughout the winter, make sure to give them enough light. Without proper lighting, your plants can become weak, leggy, and lose their vitality. Aim for about 12-14 hours of light per day, preferably during the day (not at night).
If your plants are getting too much sunlight, try using sheer curtains or a sheer window covering to filter out some of the light. Be mindful of your plants’ needs when choosing the location.
Plants like African violets, orchids and bromeliads do best in bright, indirect light whereas plants like ferns and spider plants prefer a semi-shady spot. Knowing the needs of your particular plants will help keep them looking their best in the winter.
Tips & Tricks
Water your plants regularly in the winter, but go easy on them and avoid overwatering. When the top few inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.
Fertilize your plants lightly every couple of weeks. Doing this will ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to survive the winter.
Pruning is also important for houseplants in the winter. Cut back your plants that have become too large for their pot, and prune off any dead leaves. This will help promote healthy growth.
Watering
Watering is a key factor in keeping houseplants healthy in winter. The temperature tends to be lower indoors during winter, which means the soil will dry out slower.
To maintain proper hydration, water your houseplants deeply and regularly. Check the soil moisture before you water and don’t water your plants if the soil is still wet. If the top layer of soil is dry, it’s time to give your plants a drink.
It’s also important to water the soil slowly, giving it time to absorb the water. You can also mist your plants with a spray bottle to give them a boost of moisture, which can help prevent leaf damage caused by dry air.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your houseplants during the winter months is key to their survival. It’s important to use a balanced fertilizer that is specially formulated for indoor plants, as the fertilizer needs to be weaker than what is typically used for outdoor plants.
Because houseplants typically don’t need as much nitrogen as outdoor plants, go for a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium for maximum effectiveness. Water your plants before and after fertilizing to help with absorption. Most experts recommend fertilizing every two months during the winter. If you’re not sure if your plants need more fertilizer, check the soil; if it’s light and sandy, they may need more.
Pruning
Pruning your houseplants during the winter is an essential step to keeping them healthy and thriving. Pruning can help maintain their shape, remove dead or dying plant material, and increase the amount of light – and air – each plant receives.
Pruning also promotes new growth, and can help your houseplants survive the winter months. When pruning, be sure to use sharp pruning shears, as dull shears can damage your plants. To get the most out of your pruning, try to remove only the dead or damaged material – not too much or too little.
And if you need help deciding how much to prune, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for advice. When it comes to pruning, timing is key.
Depending on the type of houseplant you have, there may be certain times of year when you should prune more or less. For instance, some houseplants may need to be pruned more frequently during the winter months, while others may need to be pruned more often in the spring.
And if you’re unsure of when to prune, it’s always a good idea to check with your local gardening center or nursery for advice on the best times of year to prune specific plants.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by pruning, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many professional houseplant pruning services available, which can help make sure your houseplants are properly pruned and cared for. So don’t be afraid to get some help if you need it – it’s worth it in the end!