Indoor Winter Plant Care
The presence of indoor or interior plants can bring such great changes as we connect with nature by bringing nature indoors, interior plants not only bring a beautiful change to our indoor environment but also provide or clean the air we breathe. The winter months however can present a challenge for many homeowners as they seek to keep their plants alive and healthy during this time of the year.
To ensure that your plants keep their luster and thrive during the cold season follow these simple steps that will give you much success.
10 Ways to Keep Your Plants Healthy during Winter
1. Provide proper lighting
With the winter months comes shorter days which means less sunlight which can cause a plant to go into stress. To ensure your indoor plants are getting the proper lighting move them closer to the west or south-facing window for bright indirect light. Although plants are moved closer to the window ensure that the plant’s leaves don’t come in contact or touch the window because of the outdoor cold. Another option to provide adequate lighting is to have grown lights installed. These lights can be purchased from your garden center or plant nursery.
2. Water less
Plants use less water during the winter months, reduce the amount of water, before giving your plants a drink check the soils’ moisture by sticking your finger into the first few inches of soil. If the soil is dry then proceed to water using caution, don’t overwater. A soil probe or moisture meter can also be used to measure soil moisture. These tools can be purchased from your plant nursery or garden center.
3. Keep plants from Heating vents and drafts
The right temperature is needed for both out and indoor plants to survive, cold temperatures especially during nighttime are not good for indoor plants. Keeping plants away from windows, open doors and heating vents can change the temperature drastically that can cause indoor plants to deteriorate.
4. Give plants a bath
Surprising as it may seem indoor plants accumulates dust, if dust is gathered too heavily on the plant’s leaves can interfere with photosynthesis the process by which plants manufacture their food. Heavy dust can also cause a plant to lose its luster and shine, a feather duster can be used to remove excess dust, or a piece of clean cloth that’s damp with water can do also.
5. Humidity level
Indoor plants need the right humidity to continue to grow their best therefore the use of a humidifier will offer great help. Turning and leaving this device on when you are out will benefit house plants greatly. Or if you prefer pebbles trays can increase the humidity levels for plants as well, this process works by filling the tray with pebbles or rocks that are the same size.
Next, fill the tray with water, the water level should be just below the top of the pebbles, next place your plants on top of the tray. As the water evaporates it will increase the humidity level around your plants. Another method of raising the plant’s humidity level is to simply group them together.
6. Stop Fertilizing
Plants, in general, go dormant during the winter months so there is no need to fertilize them until the warmer months arrive which is spring through summer and during early fall.
7. Control garden pests
Garden pests that seek to overwinter can be dealt with as well if you are bringing outdoor container plants indoors inspect for insects and apply an insecticide that’s human and pet friendly. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil will help to bring control. Before using insecticides read and follow the manufacture’s direction for the best results.
9. Avoiding repotting
If you can avoid repotting wait until spring arrives, because plants go dormant or grow slowly during the winter month’s so you don’t want at this time to disturb the plant’s root system which can bring on plant stress. Repotting plants in the winter may also encourage unhealthy new growth. However, if the plant is root bound or has poor soil then go ahead with the transplanting operation.
10. Going on vacation
Vacation time can be so much but who will you leave to care for your indoor plants while you’re gone, it’s ok in this situation to give your plants extra water to keep them healthy until you return or these proven methods will also give good results.
The final word on indoor plant winter care
Keeping your plants in tip-top shape during the winter months is that simple, all it takes is some known how which we have provided for you to have much success. Don’t let this time of the year do a number on your indoor plants, keep your plants happy and thriving so your plants can continue to go to work for you.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hi Norman,
I am a plant lovers too and thank you very much for writing and posting this articles. 10 Ways to Keep Your Plants Healthy during Winter guide me to keep my plant alive this winter in which had many mistakes in taking care of my indoor plants in the past which resulted for them to dried up. This is the result of over watering and putting fertilizers even on winter.
Thanks to this post am sure my plants will survived this seasons.
Cheers,
Al
Hello Al I am happy that I could help, wishing you good success as you take care of your plants during the winter months.
Wao! Learning to understand why plants should be giving baths. I never knew the danger too much dust can have on plants leaves, which could interfere with photosynthesis the process by which plants manufactures their food. I just learned that Heavy dust can also cause a plant to lose its lustre and shine, Thanks a bunch for such amazing info.
Plants are just like us they need tender loving care also in order to thrive their best I am so happy to help and all the best to you.