Plants have different requirements in the winter months when temperatures are cooler and plant growth is less active. During this time, plants take time to rest and recover from the active growth season between March and November. Depending on the light, temperature and humidity of your home, you may not notice much of a difference in your plants’ activities, but it is important to pay attention and change your routine to suit their needs. Here are some tips that will help you care for your plants during the winter months.
1. Take care when watering plants in the
winter. Overwatering and underwatering are
common mistakes.
Plants are less active and need less water during the winter months. The light is lower and less strong. Plants are resting and recovering from the growing season. Check before you water. A moisture meter can help you determine the content of moisture in the soil and if it is time to water or time to wait.
2. Pay attention to the sunlight.
Plants are exposed to less hours of sunlight than they are in the spring and summer. If possible, you may want to mover your plants closer to the windows so they can take advantage of as much light as possible. If they’re are on the floor, consider elevating them on a table or plant stand to get them closer to natural light. Rotate pots a quarter turn each week to ensure all sides of your plants get sunlight from time to time. If boosting the light levels isn’t an option for you, adding a grow light may help.
3. Put the fertilizer on hold.
Most houseplants rest in the winter. Because they are not producing new leaves and stems, they do not require fertilizer. If your plants do continue to grow during the winter cut reduce fertilzer to half. Resume fertilzing in the spring when plants receive more sunlight and are actively growing again.
4. Avoid temperature extremes.
Regular household temperatures that you’re comfortable in are fine for most houseplants during the winter. But extreme changes in temperature, even for a short time, can cause problems. Keep plants away from cold drafts, radiators, and hot air vents.
5. Save the repotting for spring.
Resist the urge to repot your plants while they are dormant. Doing so can shock resting houseplants and may cause damage. Plants take will to repotting during their active growth periods so it is best to wait until spring. Try starting seeds or forcing some Paperwhite Narsissus, if you feel the need to get your hands in the soil.
6. Keep the foliage clean.
To be sure the sunlight is able to penetrate the plants leaves, use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap to gently wipe down foliage, while fully supporting the leaf. Do this to both sides of the leaf. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
You can also try mixing a teaspoon of vinegar in a gallon of water as an alternative cleaner that will breakdown hard water mineral buildup. As a bonus, the vinegar will repel pests and curious pets.
