Winter weather can do a number on your houseplants if you’re not careful. From extreme cold to inadequate light, it takes some special precautions to ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant during the colder months. So if you want to keep your houseplants alive and well throughout the winter, follow these tips – provide them with a bright and draft-free location, reduce watering, and protect them from extreme cold or hot temperatures. With a bit of extra care, your houseplants can thrive all year round!
What to Know About Houseplants and Winter
Winter can be tough on houseplants, but there are a few simple steps you can take to keep them healthy and thriving. Provide them with plenty of bright light. If you don’t have enough sunlight coming in through your windows, try to supplement with a grow light.
Keep the temperatures consistent.
Make sure your house isn’t too hot or cold; find a temperature that your plants can tolerate and stick with it. Cut back on watering. Your plants don’t need as much water in winter; reduce the amount you water them to just enough to keep their soil from drying out. Follow these steps and your houseplants will be happy and healthy even in the coldest months.
Providing Adequate Lighting
Providing adequate lighting during the winter is essential for keeping your houseplants healthy. To ensure your plants get enough light, place them near windows that face south, east, or west.
The more natural sunlight they can get, the better. You can supplement the natural light with a grow light system.
Try to keep your plants as close to the light source as possible. Make sure to rotate them periodically to ensure even growth rates.
If you notice any of the leaves turning yellow, that’s a sign that the plants are not getting enough light. The length of time your houseplants require light is also important.
During the winter months, the days are shorter, and your plants will need to receive more light than they would during the summer. You should aim to provide your plants with at least eight to twelve hours of light a day. Natural light is the most beneficial, but if you are using artificial lights, you may need to adjust the timing. As with water and temperature, you need to find the right balance to ensure your plants stay healthy.
Keeping the Temperature Stable
During winter, keeping the temperature of your houseplants stable is one of the best ways to keep them healthy. Avoid placing them in direct drafts from windows or air vents, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature. If you have a room in your home that has a more consistent temperature, this is the perfect spot for your houseplants.
If possible, use a heater to keep the temperature in the room at a comfortable level for your plants. Aim for temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also invest in a thermometer for your home to monitor the temperature of your houseplants. When the temperature drops, it’s important to check your houseplants for signs of distress such as wilting, yellowing, and discoloration.
If you notice any of these signs, make sure to move your houseplants to a warmer environment. You may also want to consider covering them with a blanket or putting them in a cooler spot to protect them from any sudden drops in temperature.
Pay attention to how much sunlight your houseplants are receiving and adjust accordingly. Too much sun during the winter months can cause the temperature to rise and this could damage your plants.
Reduce Watering
As winter approaches, it’s important to reduce the amount of water you give to your houseplants in order to keep them healthy. During this season, houseplants are going through a period of dormancy and don’t require as much water as during other times of the year.
Over-watering your plants can lead to root rot, so it is important to adjust the frequency and amount of watering accordingly. When watering your plants during the winter, check the soil first and only water if it is dry.
You may only need to water your houseplants once a month or so, depending on the variety and the amount of light they are receiving. Be sure to always water your houseplants until the excess water runs out the bottom of the pot – this will ensure that the entire root system is being hydrated. It may take some trial and error to get the watering frequency just right for your houseplants during the winter, so don’t hesitate to adjust it as needed. Taking the time to adjust your watering schedule may offer your houseplants the protection from root rot they need, allowing them to stay healthy even during the cold winter months.
Protect from Extreme Temperatures
Protecting your houseplants from extreme temperatures is essential in the winter. Make sure to place your houseplants in a bright and draft-free location away from windows and direct sunlight, as this will help to keep temperatures consistent.
Consider using a thermostat-controlled heating source to maintain the ambient temperature of the room, as temperatures that fluctuate too widely can be detrimental to the health of your houseplants. To further protect your plants, you can use any number of techniques, such as wrapping them in plastic or foil or using an insulated cloth to cover the pots. Another important factor to consider is reducing the amount of water that you give your plants.
When it’s cold outside, the soil will take longer to dry, so you won’t need to water as often. Check the soil of your plants regularly, and water only when it’s dry to the touch.
Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes that can be made when it comes to houseplants, so be careful not to overdo it.
It’s important to keep your plants out of extreme temperatures. Keep your houseplants away from cold drafts and warm radiators, as both can cause damage to the plants.
If it looks like temperatures might drop below freezing, it’s best to move your plants to a warmer area of the house. If you do need to move them outside during the winter, make sure to monitor the temperatures to ensure that they won’t suffer from the cold. With a little bit of extra care, you can make sure your houseplants stay healthy during the winter months.