Winter Houseplant Care: 5 Essential Adjustments for a Healthy Dormant Season
When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, our beloved houseplants need a little extra care to make it through the winter months. While indoor plants are shielded from frost and freezing temperatures, they still react to the seasonal changes in light, humidity, and temperature. Many enter a dormant phase during this time, slowing their growth in response to these environmental shifts. Making small adjustments in their care can make a big difference, ensuring that your plants stay healthy and are ready to thrive again when spring arrives.
Here are five important tips to help your houseplants adjust to winter’s unique challenges:
1. Reduce Watering Frequency
In winter, plants naturally need less water. Growth slows down as they enter a resting phase, and with reduced light, they don’t absorb moisture as quickly. Overwatering during winter is a common cause of root rot, so let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Succulents and cacti, which are adapted to low-water conditions, may only need a small drink once a month. Paying close attention to your plant’s water needs is one of the simplest and most effective winter care adjustments you can make.
2. Adjust Light Exposure
With shorter days and lower sun angles, the light coming through windows may be weaker than your plants are used to. To give them enough light, consider moving them closer to windows or supplementing with grow lights if needed. A south-facing window often provides the most consistent light in winter, but be sure to clean your windows regularly to maximize natural light. Rotating your plants weekly can also help ensure they receive even exposure on all sides, reducing the risk of uneven growth.
3. Boost Humidity Levels
Winter’s dry indoor air, often caused by heating systems, can leave plants parched. Many tropical plants especially suffer from the lack of moisture in the air. Increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together to create a mini-humid environment. Another easy trick is to place plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water—the evaporation will provide a gentle humidity boost around the plant.
4. Hold Off on Fertilizer
Most plants don’t require much, if any, fertilizer during the winter months. Since they’re in a dormant state and not actively growing, adding nutrients can actually stress them. Save the fertilizing for spring when the days start to lengthen, and your plants begin to grow again. At that point, a regular fertilizing schedule will help them bounce back and thrive throughout the growing season.
5. Protect from Temperature Changes
Sudden shifts in temperature can stress plants, so keep them away from cold drafts, heating vents, and space heaters. A temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C) is ideal for most indoor plants. If you have plants near doors or windows that get chilly at night, consider moving them to a warmer spot or adding insulation around those areas to prevent cold air from impacting their environment.
Embracing Seasonal Plant Care for Thriving Houseplants Year-Round
Adapting your plant care routine to fit the season is key to keeping your houseplants vibrant and healthy all year long. With a few thoughtful changes in watering, light, humidity, and temperature management, your plants can get the rest they need over winter and prepare for the burst of growth that comes with spring. Winter may be a quieter season for your indoor jungle, but with the right adjustments, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful, thriving home when warmer days return.
Embrace these winter plant-care tips, and your plants will thank you with lush, happy growth in the seasons to come!
