Why Are My Indoor Plants Dying in Winter
Winter is often brutal for indoor plants, leaving plant enthusiasts disheartened. The extremely low sunlight, low humidity, and extreme fluctuations in temperature are all factors that can affect the plants. Likewise, excess watering, improper humidity levels, and negligence towards the plants can result in the foliage turning yellow, the stems drooping, or the plant dying completely. Fortunately, if one is aware of the possibilities of their plants being affected during this season, they can modify their care routine and help them thrive in the winter. The following guide will cover all the common factors that affect plants in the winter and how to deal with them.
Common Causes of Winter Plant Problems
As mentioned before, winter can be challenging for plants, so being aware of the causes and factors is crucial. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
Insufficient Sunlight
Due to decreased sunlight and shorter days, many plants fail to receive the light needed to grow and flourish. Low light can eventually lead to leggy growth, yellowed leaves, or stunted growth.
Too Much Watering
Not all varieties of plants require as much water in winter. Overwatering can often create a situation of flooding, root rot, and fungal problems, which can become detrimental to the plant’s health.
Low Humidity Level
Because of room heaters, indoor humidity becomes too low in winter, which is very different from outdoor humidity.
Inadequate Temperature
In winter, we use radiators or firewood to warm our houses. This temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be shocking for our plants. As a result, plants get stressed, leading to the shedding of leaves or even death.
Improper Fertilization
Winter is a dormant phase for plants, so fertilizing is not necessary in most cases. This is why improper or over-fertilization can be harmful to plants.
By identifying these issues, you can create a care routine that allows your plants to thrive through the harsh winter season.
Indicators of Illness in Your Indoor Plants
Some people often wait until the problem has gotten too severe to take action when it comes to caring for their plants, resulting in damage that is relatively hard to fix. Here are the most common indicators that your plant might be struggling during winter:
Limp or Wilting Leaves
Weakness from excessive or insufficient watering, or an environment with low humidity, can cause the leaves to limp or wilt.
Leaves Turning Yellow and Brown
The edges of the leaves of some plants that are exposed to cold and dry climates may tend to turn brown, while yellow leaves may signify that parts of the plant have been continuously submerged in water.
Leaf Shedding
Temperature changes, along with a lack of light and environmental shocks, can cause plants to shed their leaves.
No New Leaves or Slow Growth
A lack of light and adequate environmental sustenance, such as nutrients, can make it difficult for the plant to grow. As a result, the plant wilts and shows no new signs of growth.
Wet, Overly Watered, or Moldy Soil
Constantly wet soil or soil covered with mold can cause root rot, which might damage the entire plant beyond repair.
By observing these signs, you can pinpoint the issues and solve them before something irreversible occurs.
How to Prevent Your Plants From Dying in the Winter
When caring for indoor plants in the winter, consider modifying your schedule and routine to meet their seasonal needs. There are several solutions to help your plants survive and do well during colder periods:
Change Watering Habits
Water less frequently as the plants are dormant and do not require much moisture during the winter. The first inch of soil is usually enough to determine whether the plant needs watering. Only water plants when the soil feels dry to the touch. One thing to avoid is overwatering, as it may lead to soggy soil and root rot.
Put Indoor Plants in a Sunny Place
To ensure that the plants receive enough light throughout the winter, move them closer to windows, but never where they will be hit by wind. If your house does not receive enough natural light or is too warm, it is a good idea to use grow lights for the plants.
Raise Humidity Levels Inside the House
To prevent the air from getting too dry due to heaters, a humidifier can be used. Grouping the plants closer together is also a good idea to increase humidity around them. You can place your plants on trays with pebbles in the water, but make sure the pots themselves are not sitting in the water.
Set Temperature to a Comfortable Value
Always place your plants away from heaters, radiators, and windows or doors where they will be exposed to cold air. To keep indoor plants happy, the temperature should be kept between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid Overfertilizing
Extra nourishment is not needed during the dormant phase of the plant, due to the lack of active growth. Therefore, reduce or cease fertilizing plants during this stage.
Cleaning and Moving Plants Around
Wipe the dust off the leaves so light can reach inside. If the plant’s leaves remain in the same position for an extended period, shift the pots or move the plants to allow them to receive sunlight from different angles.
Look for Pests
Constantly check for bugs, such as spider mites and fungus gnats, that may infest the plants. Always act quickly. Infestations require natural treatments or insecticidal soap.
By following these steps, you can help your plants thrive in the harsh winter conditions.
Best Indoor Plants for Winter
Some plants can survive and thrive in winter conditions, and these plants do not require, or may not need, a lot of light, water, or warmth. So, if you want to add some indoor plants during the winter, here’s a list of the best indoor plants that can make your room feel better and withstand the harshness of winter:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Why it’s great: It can survive low light and drought.
Care tips: Water the snake plant moderately. Don’t water it unless the soil is completely dry. - ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Why it’s great: Super easy to grow and thrives in indirect light.
Care tips: Water when the soil is completely dry. The plant stores water in its roots. - Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Why it’s great: Does well in sunlight as well as in shade and can tolerate some rough treatment.
Care tips: Water with intervals of one inch on the topmost layer of the soil and avoid overwatering. - Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why it’s great: Attractive with glossy leaves and sometimes blooms in winter.
Care tips: Keep the soil in a balanced state—not too wet or too dry—and mist the leaves to provide humidity. - Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Why it’s great: Blooms in winter with a variety of colorful flowers.
Care tips: Water the plant when the soil is dry and provide warm, indirect sunlight. - Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant)
Why it’s great: Known for its resilience, making it perfect for homes, and complements spaces with its rich, tropical touch.
Why Are My Indoor Plants Dying in Winter (FAQs)
Why have my plants stopped growing during winter?
Most plants go dormant during winter, so it is completely normal.
How often should I water my indoor plant?
As winter is the dormant season for plants, only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Can I fertilize my plants during the winter season?
No, for most plants, winter doesn’t require fertilizer as the plants are usually dormant. Fertilize again in spring when growth resumes.
How do I ensure my plants get enough light during the cold season?
Place your plants closer to the sunnier side of the window, but try to avoid cold drafts. If sunlight is insufficient during winter, consider adding grow lights.
How do I avoid exposing my plants to cold winds?
Keep your plants away from drafts that may come through windows or doors. You can use curtains to help insulate or move your plants to a spot that is not subject to frequent temperature fluctuations.
Are there any plants that thrive in the cold seasons?
Yes, some plants such as pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants can thrive during winter since they are hardy and tolerant. Additionally, plants like the Christmas cactus and cyclamen are winter bloomers that will enhance the indoor gardening experience.
These are some common concerns that can help ensure your plants survive the winter season.
Conclusion
Winter decoration using indoor plants can be tricky, but the right adjustments and care can help them make it through the colder months wonderfully. Recognizing some of the most basic potential challenges of indoor plants, such as lack of light, lack of moisture, and temperature fluctuations, allows you to put preventive measures in place before damage occurs. Adjusting the watering cycle, creating an environment of higher humidity, and providing adequate sunlight will nurture the plants. Another smart option is choosing plants that withstand colder winter months. With a bit more effort and care, indoor gardens can be maintained beautifully throughout the year.