Winter can be a tough season for plants, especially if you live in a region with substantially colder temperatures, shorter days, and less humidity, both indoor and outdoor greenery can struggle to thrive. However, with a little extra care and some thoughtful adjustments, you can help your plants survive—and even flourish—through the winter months.
Adjust Watering Habits
Plants need less water during the winter, as they tend to grow more slowly or enter a period of dormancy. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes during this time, so it’s important to adjust your routine.
- Check the soil before watering by sticking your finger an inch deep. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
- Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
- Water plants in the morning so they have time to absorb moisture before cooler night temperatures.
Finding the right balance is key to keeping your plants healthy, but keep at it, you’ll be a professional in no time.
Provide Adequate Light
With fewer hours of daylight, plants often struggle to get the much-needed light they need to thrive. Moving indoor plants closer to windows can help them soak up as much natural light as possible.
Rotate the pots every week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal exposure. If your home doesn’t have enough bright spots, consider investing in grow lights to supplement natural light.
For outdoor plants, be mindful of their placement; trimming back overhanging branches or cleaning debris can ensure they aren’t shaded unnecessarily.
Maintain Proper Humidity
Indoor heating systems, while essential for keeping us warm during colder months, can significantly dry out the air, creating an environment that’s too arid for many plants. To counteract this, increasing the humidity around your plants is key to helping them stay vibrant. There are several ways to achieve this:
- Group plants together to create a mini humidity zone.
- Mist your plants regularly with water, which provides a temporary boost in moisture.
- Place a tray filled with water and pebbles under pots (without submerging the roots) to add moisture to the air.
- Use a humidifier in the room where your plants are located.
- Consider relocating your plants to naturally humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, provided there is adequate light.
By creating a more humid environment, you can support your plants’ natural growth processes and keep them looking lush and healthy even during the driest indoor conditions.
Protect Outdoor Plants
Outdoor plants are exposed to freezing temperatures, frost, and harsh winds throughout winter, all of which can damage their health. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of plants helps insulate the roots and regulate soil temperature.
For delicate plants, consider covering them with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from the elements. If possible, move potted outdoor plants to a sheltered location, such as a garage, porch, or greenhouse, where they’ll be less exposed to extreme conditions.
Keep an Eye on Temperature
Indoor plants can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations caused by drafts or being placed too close to heat sources.
Keep plants away from radiators, vents, and drafty windows. If a room feels particularly chilly, consider using a space heater, but make sure it’s not positioned directly on or too close to your plants.
For outdoor plants, monitoring overnight temperatures and taking action when frost is forecasted can make a big difference in their survival.
Avoid Overfeeding
Plants naturally slow their growth during the winter, meaning they don’t need as much fertilizer as they do in active growing seasons. Feeding them too much during this time can lead to weak, leggy growth. Scale back your fertilizing schedule or pause it entirely until spring arrives. This allows your plants to rest and prepare for more vigorous growth when the weather warms up.
Winter doesn’t have to be a tough season for your plants. With these adjustments to your care routine, you can help them stay healthy and strong until spring returns. A little extra effort goes a long way in ensuring your greenery survives the colder months and continues to brighten your space all year long.