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Winter House Plant Care

Winter is here and house plants are a great way to bring nature indoors through the colder months. But did you know winter care for your plants differs then at other times of the year? Plants' growth slows during the winter months, but with less sunlight and drier indoor conditions, it can be hard to pinpoint what exactly your house plants need to stay happy. Here are few tips to keep your House Plants healthy and happy all winter long.

Water

As your house plants' growth slows, so does their need for regular watering. While they still need water, they can most likely go much longer between waterings than at other times of the year. This is why it is important to test the moisture level of the soil before watering each time.

A water meter is a great tool to ensure you are not overwatering your plants. It can tell you how much moisture is in your soil a few inches down. If you don't have a water meter, you can use a sharpened #2 pencil. Stick the tip of the pencil into the soil about an inch down. If the sharpened end is darkened (wet), then hold off on watering. You can also use your index finger. Push your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, if the soil is damp, then your plant doesn't need a drink just yet.

When it is time for a drink, water your plant thoroughly. Water the soil until it pours from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to drain (or stop dripping from the bottom) before returning it to its spot.

Keep in mind each plant's needs are different. Some plants like citrus, get extra thirsty in the winter and require regular watering. While plants like succulents and cacti can go weeks or even months between waterings. Ask an English Gardens expert for your plant's specific needs.

Learn more about watering your house plants here.

Light

As the winter days get shorter, it becomes harder to provide enough natural light for our plants, especially those that love to soak in the sunshine. Although plants don't need as much light during the winter since they are more dormant than usual, they still need sunlight to stay happy.

One option is adding grow bulbs to a few of your light fixtures. These will add some UV rays to your home, and keep your plants from getting the winter blues. Another option is to use grow lights. Placing your plants in one area, like a cabinet or shelf, and using a grow light on the space can also help.

For low-light plants, leaving shades up or moving them a bit closer to the window for the winter can be enough to keep them happy. Ask an English Gardens expert for indoor lighting options for your plants.

Learn more about picking the right plant for your home's lighting conditions here.

Temperature and Humidity

Chilly temps outdoors can mean cool drafts and blasting heat vents indoors. These conditions are especially hard on house plants. Properly seal and insulate any drafty windows before placing your house plants nearby and avoid placing plants near heat vents when possible. Keep in mind, most plants like a consistent temperature between 60-70 degrees to keep them happiest.

Indoor humidity levels are also much lower during the winter. Most house plants like humidity levels above 50%, when this is too low, your plants can trick you into thinking they need more water. Things like crispy, drooping or browning leaves can all mean you need to increase your home's humidity. Consider using a humidifier, or creating a humidity tray for your plants to help with this. Misting your plants regularly can also help prevent crispy leaves.

Learn more about how to create a humidity tray here.

Fertilizer

House Plants are taking it easy during the winter. They have slowed their growth and aren't using as much energy so they don't need as many resources. Fertilizing isn't necessary from late fall to early spring.

Reduce house plant feedings slowly in the fall and do not fertilizer after the beginning of October. You can start fertilizing again in early spring, usually by the beginning of April.

Ask an English Gardens expert what fertilizer is best for your plant.

Repotting

Unless your pot is damaged or your plant is becoming root bound save the repotting for the spring.

Plants should be actively growing when repotted. They need the extra energy to fill out their new, larger, pot. If they are not growing, there is a risk of root rot since the soil can become too saturated.

In the meantime, you can use a cachepot to change things up for the winter. A cachepot allows you to drop the grower pot directly inside it, without having to repot your plant. This means you can change your look at any time. Check out a selection of pottery.

Once spring arrives, it is safe to repot.

More Resources

Check out our blogs and videos to learn more about caring for your House Plants.

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