05/11/2025
Tips on how to care for your house plants in winter.
To care for houseplants in winter, reduce watering, fertilizing, and repotting, while providing more light, increasing humidity, and protecting them from drafts and heat sources.
Check the soil moisture before watering and move plants closer to windows, using grow lights if needed, while being mindful of temperature fluctuations from heaters and cold windows.
Water less: Plants grow less in winter, so they need less water. Only water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Check soil moisture: Don't rely on a schedule; stick your finger into the soil to check if it's dry before watering again.
Skip fertilizer: Most plants are dormant and don't need fertilizer during this time. Fertilizing can encourage unwanted growth.
Light and location
Maximize light: Move plants to the sunniest spots, like a south-facing window.
Clean the leaves: Dust can block light, so wipe leaves with a damp cloth to help them photosynthesize better.
Avoid drafts and heat: Keep plants away from cold drafts from windows and doors, as well as hot air from radiators and vents.
Rotate plants: Turn the pots periodically so all sides get even exposure to the light source.
Humidity and temperature
Increase humidity: Winter heating can make the air very dry. Increase humidity by grouping plants, using a humidifier, or placing pots on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Maintain stable temperatures: Avoid extreme temperature changes. If it gets very cold, move plants away from windows at night.
Other care
Don't repot: Wait until spring to repot plants, as the winter is a resting period and repotting can cause stress.
Watch for pests: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and treat them as soon as you see them.