Gardens Diary

The Basic Guides for Winter Care in Indoor Plants

winter plant care

Plants can liven up a room and add some color, as well as a touch of nature to one’s interior. While the winter months may be challenging for green companions, given the shorter days, less sunlight, and indoor heating—which dries the air—it is fair to say that the cold season is bound to be challenging for those plants. However, with adequate winter treatment, your plants can be colorful and healthy throughout the winter. Below is a detailed guide that explains the various steps that a person should take to prepare indoor plants for the winter season.

Managing Winter Light

Daylight is in short supply, and even what sunlight comes through may be shallower. As a result, this is an issue for plants that require direct exposure to the sun.

Natural Light Adjustments

It is beneficial to place houseplants close to windows that face south or west. These areas obtain the greatest partial sun exposure throughout the day. Do not close the windows with heavy curtains, as there isn’t enough natural light.

Adjust This Position Regularly

Light exposure is important in maintaining plant health; however, it must be balanced. This can be achieved by rotating pots every week to prevent the plants from leaning in a specific direction and to promote environmentally friendly growth.

Add Supplemental Lighting

Fluorescent and LED lights are good solutions in situations where natural light is limited. Place the light 6-12 inches above the plants to achieve better results. Use this for 10-12 hours per day.

Managing Temperature Changes

Indoor plants prefer unchanging temperatures, so sudden changes to the temperature can be detrimental as it leads to stress. During winter, too much temperature fluctuation can make control measures mandatory.

Best Temperature for Indoor Plants

With the exception of a few species, most indoor plants will do well during the day when the temperature is 65-75°F (18-24°C) and around 10°F less at night. It is best to keep the temperature as constant as possible to avoid stressing the plants.

Shielding Plants from Drafts and Excess Heat

Plants should not be placed directly above or near cold drafts of air near doors or windows, nor should they be placed a few feet closer to sources of heat such as radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents. Too much heat can dry out the soil as well as the leaves, while too much cold may shock the plant.

Defending Plants with Humidifiers

When heating systems are used, there is usually a drop in humidity within the premises, both of which are not favorable for plants that do better with a high amount of humidity. When a humidifier is placed near all your plants, it helps keep moisture in the air, thereby assisting the microclimate surrounding your plants.

Reducing the Frequency of Watering

Watering in winter should be lessened compared to the warmer months of the year. As is the case with most plants, growth seems to slow down during the winter months, thus leading to less water usage.

Soil Moisture Level

To be more specific, determine when to water by touching the soil. Test the top of the soil; if the first inch or two feels dry, then it’s time to water. Don’t overwater, as it can lead to root rot because of the lower water evaporation rate in winter.

Water Sparingly but Deeply

When irrigating the plants, always avoid oversaturating the soil while taking care to penetrate the upper layers and the roots. Do not allow the roots to stand in water for too long; always allow the surplus water to flow out.

Treat Plants as Separate Patients

Different plants have different irrigation needs. For instance, it is unnecessary to water succulents and cacti in winter; however, a more liberal watering schedule may be required for ferns and other tropical varieties. Modify as per the needs of the plants.

How to Control Humidity

Due to the harsh winter, the air indoors can become too dry at times, causing problems such as scorching or curling of leaves. This is especially true for tropical plants, which thrive in warmer and humid conditions.

Arrange Plants in Clusters

Clustered plants can create a microenvironment with high humidity, which is particularly beneficial for leaf health.

Place a Pebble Tray Below the Pots

Put empty trays containing pebbles underneath plant pots and fill the trays with water. When the water evaporates, it will enhance the humidity of the surrounding area. Make sure the pots are on the pebbles and not in the water so that the roots are not damaged.

Misting Leaves

For some plants, the illumination of the broad leaves creates an environment of stress. Therefore, for short durations, try misting the plant with a spray bottle. However, avoid misting plants that could be adversely affected by moisture clinging to their leaves, such as African violets.

Pruning and Cleaning

Particularly in winter, when leaves appear dusty and a coating may form over the light, pruning and cleaning can make your plants look beautiful.

Cut Out Brownish or Wilted Leaves

Don’t leave dead, yellowed, or decayed leaves on the plant, as they suck the life out of it. This also aids in enhancing air movement and minimizes the chances of developing fungi.

Clean the Leaves Regularly

Leaves may also get dusty during winter when limited sunlight is available. Wiping the larger plant leaves with a moist, clean cloth and spraying smaller ones with lukewarm water or using a soft brush is effective for removing dust.

Remove Leggy Growths

If the plants grow leggy or “stretch” in search of sunlight, trim them as needed. This also makes the plant neat and orderly and encourages the growth of strong and healthy stems.

Fertilizing with Caution

Winter is generally a quiet month for many plants, which consequently allows them to require fewer nutrients. Fertilizing during this time can cause more damage than benefits.

Reduce or Postpone Fertilizing

Due to the fact that the majority of plants go into dormancy, growth activity is visibly reduced before winter, and no fertilization may be required until spring. However, for plants that are still growing, such as some herbs, fertilize with one-half of the recommended dose.

Use Slow-Release Fertilizer for Active Plants

If you have plants that continue to grow actively, opt for a slow-release fertilizer. This provides a steady, gentle supply of nutrients without damaging the plants.

Pest Management Strategies

In the winter, pests can be an added problem, as the heat and dry conditions inside a house provide essential conditions for many pests to thrive.

Examine Plants Often

Inspect leaves, stems, and soil for spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats, and remove them as soon as possible.

Practice Basic Hygiene for Plants

Another priority for preventing pests from settling in is regularly cleaning the leaves. Cleaning the leaves with a simple soap and water solution discourages pests.

Use Herbal Pest Remedies

In case you see pests, look for solutions in nature. Necessary substances such as neem oil spray or insecticidal soap will not severely damage the plant. Avoid using pesticides and specific insecticides, as they can also harm the plants and the indoor air.

Repotting – Only When Necessary

Spring and summer are ideal times for repotting, but in certain cases, winter can also serve as a suitable time if the situation requires it.

Do Not Repot if Not Necessary

Particular care should be taken not to repot during winter because the plants are usually in a resting period, making it very likely that they will not recover from the shock easily. Nevertheless, if a plant appears to be root-bound or in distress, repotting may be vital—even in winter.

Use Well-Draining Soil Mix

If you do repot, use a fresh, well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential to avoid waterlogged roots during winter, which is a risk with lower temperatures and decreased sunlight.

Preparing for Spring

As winter comes to an end, you can start getting your plants ready for the next growth period.

Increase Light and Water Slowly

As water and exposure to light increase, it is best to provide them to the plants gradually. As with any new regimen, gradual shifts are best.

Start Fertilizing Slowly

As you see new growth in early spring, fertilize in small doses. As the plant’s growth cycle is reinitiated, its vigorous growth will be encouraged.

Choosing Plants That Can Survive Winter

If some people want to add new plants to their indoor garden in winter or get plants that are more suitable for winter conditions, they may opt for winter plants. It is worth noting that winter plants thrive in conditions where indoor temperatures are low, making them easier to manage in winter.

Plants That Like Low Light

Plants such as the snake plant, pothos, ZZ plant, and philodendron are often mentioned together because they tend to perform exceptionally well in low-light situations. These plants require very little care and are therefore suited for novices. Winter periods are especially good for them, as there is less sunlight anyway.

Plants That Enjoy High Moisture Areas

For humidifier users, high-moisture area plants can let you be creative. Plants like ferns, peace lilies, and calatheas love moisture and will thrive in higher moisture environments. Do not place these in an area where they will receive direct sun, as they dry out very quickly.

Succulents and Cactus Plants for Low Water Requirements

Another option is succulents and cactus plant, in case you feel you will be giving them too much water. They are capable of surviving longer periods without water, as they have learned to adapt to arid conditions by storing water in their leaves and stems. In the colder months, they need even less care, making them perfect for people who do not want attention-seeking plants.

Plants That Can Survive Low Temperatures

There are also plants such as spider plants and English ivy that can survive in lower temperatures. If your heating levels are low or you simply prefer it cold, these plants will withstand the cold too.

Varieties with Exceptional Cold Hardiness

It is common knowledge that some specific plants, like spider plants and English ivy, can withstand a bit of cold weather. This means that if you tend to keep some rooms cooler during winter, these kinds of plants will not be affected much.

Conclusion

Your indoor plants do not need to suffer stress because of the winter season. With a few adjustments in lighting, temperature, watering, and humidity, your indoor plants can healthily survive the harshness of winter until spring. If these steps are followed during winter, your indoor garden can remain healthy and green throughout the cold months. Don’t worry about the challenge; in the end, your plants will appreciate your efforts when spring comes, as they will be green and healthy.

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