If you want to know how to care for houseplants in the winter then you are at the right place. Because most outdoor plants are dormant during the winter, it is known as the “quiet season” in the garden. On the other hand, the same is true for your indoor garden. Of course, your houseplants are not subjected to snow and brisk winds whipping across the landscape.
However, growing conditions in your home change subtly during the colder, darker months of the year. To keep your houseplants healthy and thriving during the winter, you’ll need to change how you care for them. Use these tips to keep your leafy friends bringing their lushness and natural beauty into your home even in the dead of winter.
Table of Contents
Before Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Different plant species’ winter care requirements can vary significantly, so always do a little research to learn the specific needs of your plants. The following guidelines are a good starting point, but the specific requirements of an amaryllis or poinsettia, for example, will differ from those of a rapidly climbing pothos or a potted geranium plant that will be brought indoors for the winter.
In general, try to replicate the winter conditions of the species’ native range. Plants from the jungle tropics, for example, where there is little difference between winter and summer conditions, do not always have the same dormant period as plants from more temperate zones. While there are some general guidelines, keep in mind that the goal is always to mimic the plant’s natural outdoor winter habitat as closely as possible.
What You’ll Require
| Equipment / Tools | Materials |
| Plant mister | Supplemental grow lights (if needed) |
| Room humidifier | |
| Watering can |
How to Care for Houseplants in the Winter: Complete Guide
Here are some caring tips on how to care for houseplant in the winter:
1. REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF WATERING
The soil will not dry out as quickly unless you keep your home at sauna-like temperatures. As a result, the roots will require less water at this time.
For five months of the year, I live in Tucson, Arizona, which is hot and dry. In the warmer months, I water my houseplants every 7 days. In the winter, I reduce the frequency to every 10 – 21 days.
Watering your plants at this time of year will be determined by the type of plants you have, the size and composition of the pots, the light conditions, the degree of humidity, and the temperature of your home.
2. REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WATER
Not only do my plants get less water on a regular basis, but I also reduce the volume. In the winter, I water my houseplants about 25% less.
The roots of most plants grow close to or all the way to the bottom of the pot. I have a larger watering can for the summer and a smaller one for the winter. This keeps me from overwatering and keeping the soil too wet.
This is especially true for my large floor plants with lots of soil mass. This keeps it from becoming too wet near the bottom of the pot.
3. USE WATER AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
At this time of year, houseplants are sleeping and do not appreciate the shock of ice-cold water. I use room temperature water for my indoor plants all year, not just in the winter.
4. DO NOT ALLOW TOO MUCH WATER IN THE SAUCER
A small amount of water trickling out into the saucer is acceptable. Submerging the bottom of the grow pot in 1-3′′ of water will eventually cause the roots to rot.
It’s fine if it sits on layers of pebbles or rocks – more on that under “Humidity.”
5. YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO MOVE YOUR PLANTS
Winter months are darker, with shorter days limiting the amount of sunlight available. If you believe your plants aren’t getting enough light, move them to a different location where they will receive more light.
If you move them closer to a window, make sure they’re not touching the cold glass or catching any draughts. If your plants are on any window sills, you may need to relocate them as well.
6. ROTATE THEM IF NECESSARY
Even in the winter, houseplants should be rotated if the light source is coming from one side. I rotate them every month or two, depending on how they look.
7. AT THIS TIME, REDUCE THE FERTILIZER
Remember that houseplants rest and go dormant or semi-dormant during this time. They don’t need or want to be fed right now. Wait until the weather warms up and the days lengthen.
8. REPOTTING AND TRANSPLANTING SHOULD BE DEFERRED
Repotting, like fertilizing or feeding, is best done in the spring, summer, or even early fall (depending on your climate).
9. AVOID DIRECT HEAT SOURCES FOR YOUR HOUSEPLANTS
Move your plants away from any heating vents, away from any standing heaters, and away from working fireplaces.
10. REMOVE THEM FROM ANY COLD DRAFTS
Move any plants that are close to any doors that open frequently. They dislike cold air draughts just as much as they dislike being near a heat source. This also applies to windows if the glass is cold.
11. HOUSEPLANTS DO NOT CARE IF IT IS A LITTLE COOLER AT NIGHT
This is something I’ve learned over time. I grew up with a home greenhouse off our dining room that was kept at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun warmed it during the day, but it cooled in the evenings.
We now return the house temperature to 64 or 65 degrees Fahrenheit every night (love a cool bedroom for sleeping!) and the plants are in good condition.
12. YOUR PLANTS MAY NEED A BOOST RIGHT NOW
Most houseplants are grown in greenhouses and are native to the tropics or subtropics. Our homes’ heat can be dry.
I live in the Arizona desert, where the air is always dry except during the summer monsoons, so I’m all too familiar with this.
You can increase the humidity factor by misting or spraying the air around them in the morning once or twice a week. If the foliage remains wet for an extended period of time, fungal disease may develop.
Every month or so, I take some of my tropical plants to the shower. My small houseplants are watered and sprayed at the kitchen sink.
I also keep a couple of small humidifiers running in the rooms where I keep my plants. I don’t run them every day; I do them about four times a week.
13. WATER WITH PEBBLES IN PLANT SAUCERS
This will add moisture to the air directly around the plants. Just make sure the roots aren’t completely submerged in water.
14. THIS IS A GOOD WINTER PROJECT
Clean your plants on a snowy, cold day. Heat can cause a lot of dust to fly around. Your plants’ leaves require air to breathe, which a buildup of dust can obstruct.
A damp cloth or rag, as well as a good spraying, will do the trick.
Also, avoid using a commercial leaf shine. It clogs the pores and makes breathing difficult.
15 KEEP AN EYE OUT
When the heat is turned on in the late fall/winter, spider mites and mealybugs appear to explode. If you keep the soil too wet, fungus gnats will appear.
Take action as soon as you notice any signs of a pest because they can spread from plant to plant. They’re also much easier to control if you catch them early on.
16. PUSH BACK OR REMOVE
Decorative coverings, such as moss, large river rocks, or beach pebbles, should be removed or pushed back so that the soil does not remain soaked. This is beneficial if you have a habit of overwatering your plants. Fungus gnats are also attracted to a thick layer of damp moss.
This is the end of this post. In this post we mention 15+ tips on how to care for houseplants in the winter.
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FAQs
Q1. Why do my houseplants die in the winter?
The most common causes are excessive water and a lack of light, as well as low humidity and insect infestations.
Q2. Why do my houseplants die in the winter?
The most common causes are excessive water and a lack of light, as well as low humidity and insect infestations.
Q3. Is it harmful to repot houseplants during the winter?
It’s not the best time. Winter is a time for houseplants (as well as outdoor plants) to rest. From mid-fall to late winter, I prefer to leave mine alone. If your plant has fallen and you need to repot it, do so.