Winter is the easiest time of year to have a houseplant. Lower light levels, dry air, shorter days, and chilly temperatures put houseplants through the paces.
The secret to helping plants survive this harsh weather is adjusting care routines to suit seasonal growing conditions.
Give your houseplants top-notch care this winter with these five tips –
1. Wash and Trim Plants Before Bringing Them In
It’s common to bring potted plants in for the winter indoors, but they need your attention first. Wash gently and trim them up before bringing them inside.
2. Light
In winter, houseplants that grow near a sunny window in summer may need exposure. Likewise, plants near western or southern windows that need filtered light in summer may be able to withstand direct sun in winter.
3. Temperature
Most houseplants are tropicals and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night. Adjust thermostats to cater to your comfort, but remember your plants need some consideration like avoid placing plants near cold drafts or heat sources.
4. Humidity
Homes offer only 10% humidity in winter. Signs of low humidity stress on plants include brown leaf tips and the appearance of pests like Spider Mites. Learn simple ways to improve humidity on your homegrown plants.
5. Water
The most common problem houseplants may suffer from is overwatering. About 95% of houseplants need soil to dry out completely before watering. If you humidify rooms, plants won’t need water as often. Dry air means watering.