Houseplants are a great way to keep the gardening spirit alive over the winter, but this season also presents a couple of unique challenges. Here's what to be aware of and how to respond.
1. Monitor windows for cold drafts, and take steps to better seal and insulate them if you detect a cold spot. Meanwhile, pull plants back from cold windows, particularly at night when temperatures plummet. If you close curtains or other window dressings at any time, be sure your plants aren't left sitting between that material and the glass, as that space can become a cold pocket. If you keep your heat on the low side, check out "Houseplants That Withstand Drafts and Cold Rooms."
2. As daylight quality and duration changes, keep an eye on how your houseplants respond:
- The shortest, darkest days of winter will likely make houseplants slow or cease new growth. In this state, they won't need as much water as when they're in active growth, and they should not be fertilized. If you have a room that never gets much sun, try a plant listed in "Houseplants That Can Grow in Low Light."
- As the days begin to lengthen again, you may notice new growth. This is a good signal to begin fertilizing plants and checking more frequently for dry soil. Review the advice in "Watering Houseplants: Tips and Tricks" for proper and timely watering. If the plant has outgrown its pot, now is a fine time to move it up one size.
- With changing light levels, you may also see scorched foliage or notice that a plant is dropping leaves. If this happens, consider whether they're receiving too much or too little sunlight because of seasonal changes, and adjust their position accordingly.
3. Be aware of dry air. Heating systems can exacerbate the lower humidity that winter brings. To keep humidity-loving houseplants happy and avoid problems like crispy leaf edges, follow the advice in "Increase Humidity for Houseplants."
