The best winter care for your houseplants

Did you know that your houseplants need different care in winter? As soon as the days get shorter and the temperature drops, the lifestyle of your green friends changes too. Some plants even go into a kind of hibernation. They stop growing, take up less water and are extra sensitive to the cold. No worries, with a few small changes you can help your plants through these cold months in good health! Here are our best tips.

Water less: let your plant hibernate

In winter, too much water is probably your plant's biggest enemy. Many plants slow their growth in this period and use far less water as a result. If you carry on watering as you did in summer, water can build up in the pot, which leads to root rot and limp or yellowing leaves. So give your plants half as much water as usual, and always wait a few days if you are in any doubt. That way you avoid accidentally drowning your plant.

Protect your plant from the cold and from heat sources

Houseplants are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature, to draughts and to dry air. Keep your plants away from a heater or radiator, because those dry out the air around them. At the same time, the cold coming off a window is not ideal either. A steady temperature that is not too low is best. So have a look at where in the room your plants suffer least from draughts and temperature swings, especially if the wind hits your windows hard in winter.

Stop feeding

Once winter arrives, your plant needs far fewer nutrients. The extra plant food that fuels growth in summer is a burden on your plant now. Many plants digest less well in winter, so there is even a risk of root damage if you keep feeding them. From October onwards you can skip plant food altogether, until you notice them starting to grow again in spring.

Dusting: give your plant a freshen-up

It may sound a little over the top, but dusting matters for a healthy plant. Out in nature, dust is blown off the leaves by itself, but indoors it builds up. Dust can block the sunlight your plant needs and even get in the way of it taking up carbon dioxide. Give your plants the odd shower with a plant mister, or wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth. They will look fresher straight away and breathe more easily!

Any new leaves? Spring is on its way!

Some houseplants start growing again, cautiously, halfway through winter. Can you see your plant putting out new leaves? Then its hibernation is over. From this moment on you can gradually adjust your watering and feeding schedule, so they are ready for a new growing season.

Give your plants the best winter care

These tips will keep your houseplants healthy and happy through the winter, but do remember that every plant has its own needs. Some species really do like a warm spot, for instance, while others have no problem with a bit of a draught. Always check what your particular plants need, so they come through the winter in the best possible shape.

Do you have special tricks for helping your plants through the winter? Let us know in the comments!

Has one of your plants sadly not survived the winter? It happens, and it is a good excuse to have a look at Green Bubble for new, easy-care plants, because everyone deserves a second chance!