Take care of your houseplants’ health with practical tips for watering, lighting, and humidity. Keep them vibrant and beautiful even during the cold winter months!
In winter, houseplants are often exposed to unfavorable conditions such as dry air from heating and sudden temperature shocks from ventilation. Dry air causes leaf tips to dry out, wilting of young shoots, and even the dropping of flower buds.
To prevent these issues, it’s advisable to increase humidity using humidifiers, placing water containers near plants, or regularly misting them with room-temperature water. Additionally, protecting plants from cold drafts during ventilation is crucial, as drafts can lead to leaf drop.
Common winter plant diseases include root rot due to overwatering, which appears as yellowing and dying of lower leaves. Timely removal of dead parts and using natural remedies like horsetail-based sprays can effectively prevent gray mold and other diseases.
1. Adjusting Watering in Winter
In winter, plants grow more slowly due to less light and lower temperatures, so they need less water. Incorrect watering is the most common cause of houseplant issues during this time.
- Water less frequently: Only water when the topsoil feels dry. Be especially cautious with African violets (Saintpaulia), orchids (Phalaenopsis), and ZZ plants (Zamioculcas), which are sensitive to overwatering.
- Use lukewarm water: Cold water can shock the roots. Always use lukewarm or room-temperature, settled water.
- Avoid standing water: Ensure pots have proper drainage to prevent root rot, which is particularly harmful to plants like calatheas and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum).
Tip: For moisture-loving plants like prayer plants (Maranta), try bottom watering - place the pot in a shallow dish of water and allow the soil to absorb it.
2. Providing Adequate Lighting
Shorter days and less sunlight make lighting crucial for plant health during winter.
- Move closer to light sources: Move plants like the ficus and aloe closer to the windows to ensure they receive more natural light.
- Add artificial lighting: Use LED grow lights for light-loving plants such as orchids, succulents, and cacti.
- Clean the leaves regularly: Dust on leaves reduces photosynthesis. Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth.
Tip: For plants sensitive to direct light (e.g., ferns and calatheas), use sheer curtains to diffuse light.
3. Maintaining Optimal Air Humidity
Dry air during winter significantly affects plant health. Plants like monstera, calathea, and peace lilies are particularly sensitive to low humidity.
- Increase humidity: Place water containers near plants or use a humidifier.
- Group plants together: Grouping plants creates a microclimate with higher humidity.
- Mist the leaves: Lightly mist leaves daily, but avoid misting succulents and cacti that dislike moisture on their leaves.
Tip: Raise humidity by placing pots on trays filled with wet pebbles.
4. Adjusting Temperature and Preventing Drafts
Sudden temperature changes are harmful to most houseplants.
- Optimal temperature: Most houseplants thrive at 18-24°C (65-75°F).
- Avoid drafts: Orchids and ficus plants are sensitive to temperature changes. Keep them away from doors and windows.
- Monitor nighttime temperatures: Ensure the temperature doesn’t drop too low at night to prevent leaf drop.
Tip: Protect plants from cold drafts by using barriers or moving them away from drafty areas.
5. Preventing Pests and Diseases
In winter, plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases due to weakened resistance.
- Regular plant checks: Inspect leaves for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
- Use natural treatments: Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests naturally.
- Remove dead leaves: Regularly remove dry leaves to prevent diseases like gray mold and root rot.
Tip: Wipe leaves weekly with a damp cloth to remove dust and potential pests.
By following these simple tips, your houseplants will stay healthy and vibrant throughout the winter. Adjust watering, lighting, and humidity, and act promptly to prevent pests and diseases. This way, your home will remain a green and cozy retreat even during the coldest months.
Sources:
www.bhg.com
www.lovethatleaf.co.nz
www.gardenersworld.com
