The best winter care for your houseplants
Did you know that your houseplants need different care in winter? As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, the lifestyle of your green friends changes too. Some plants even enter a sort of "winter sleep." They stop growing, take up less water, and become particularly sensitive to cold. No worries – with a few adjustments, you can help your plants stay healthy during the cold months! Here are our best tips.
Water less: Let your plant hibernate
In winter, too much water can be your plant's biggest enemy. Many plants slow down their growth during this time and therefore require much less water. If you continue to water as you did in summer, the water can accumulate in the pot, leading to root rot and droopy or yellow leaves. So give your plants about half the amount of water you normally would, and always wait a few days if you're unsure. This way, you can prevent accidentally "drowning" your plant.
Protect your plant from cold and heat sources
Houseplants are sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations, drafts, and dry air. Make sure your plants are not too close to a heater or radiator, as this will dry out the air around them. At the same time, the cold from a window is also not ideal. A constant, not too low temperature is best. So check where in the room your plants will be least affected by drafts and temperature swings – especially if there’s a lot of wind hitting your windows in winter.
Skip the plant nutrition
Once winter arrives, your plant needs far fewer nutrients. The extra food that promotes growth in summer can now actually be harmful to your plant. Many plants digest less well in winter, which can even lead to root damage if you continue to fertilize. From October onwards, you can completely skip fertilization until you notice that they begin to grow again in spring.
Dusting: Give your plant a fresh makeover
It might sound a bit excessive, but dusting is important for a healthy plant. In nature, dust is blown away from the leaves, but indoors, it accumulates. Dust can block the sunlight that your plant needs and even hinder the uptake of carbon dioxide. Occasionally give your plants a shower with a plant sprayer or gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth – they’ll look fresher right away and breathe better!
Are there new leaves? Spring is coming!
Some houseplants start to grow cautiously again halfway through winter. If you see that your plant is producing new leaves, that’s a sign that its "winter sleep" is over. From this point on, you can gradually adjust your watering and feeding schedule so they are ready for a new growing season.
Provide the best winter care for your plants
With these tips, you can keep your houseplants healthy and happy during winter, but don’t forget that each plant has its own needs. Some species, for example, love a warm spot, while others have no problem with a bit of draft. Always check the specific needs of your plants to ensure they get through winter optimally.
Do you have special tricks to help your plants through the winter? Let us know in the comments!
Has one of your plants unfortunately not survived the winter? That can happen, and it's a good reason to check out Green Bubble for new, easy-to-care-for plants – because everyone deserves a second chance!