Caring (less) for Houseplants in the Winter

Houseplants add so much life to an indoor space, but as we get deeper into the winter months it can be challenging to keep them alive, especially if you like to dote on your plants. So what’s the trick to getting through winter? To put it simply, a little more dusting the leaves and a little less watering – but perhaps a few specifics would help. Here are 5 tips to help your plant friends make it through the winter. 

1. Water less

Overwatering kills! I realize that’s dramatic, but it is the number one cause of death for houseplants, so its importance should not be understated. Less light means less water. If given too much water they might experience root rot, yellowing or drooping leaves, fungal growths, and pests. So…how much should you water? A simple way to check is to stick a finger in the soil up to your second knuckle or use a bamboo stick or a chop stick. If the soil feels wet, or damp soil clings to the stick, then you should wait till it has dried out a bit more. For succulents you can let them almost completely dry out before watering. I usually water my succulents every 4 weeks in the winter, but I always give them a little check each week just in case. With some of my plants, like my peace lily, I like to lift the pot and see how heavy it is. When it’s significantly lighter than its post-watering weight I give it a little drink. 

2. Stop the Fertilizer

Most houseplants experience very slow growth or dormancy during the Canadian winter months. They simply don’t need the extra food because they are not expending a large amount of energy. It’s normal for plants to have seasons of rest so they can recharge and experience more growth in the spring. Fertilizing in the winter can also cause root burn which can be fatal to your plants. If you use grow lights during the winter then you may be able to get away with some light fertilizing, but I prefer to play it safe and let my plants have a little rest.  If you have a warm space with grow lights and your plants are actively growing you can fertilize lightly in the winter. We prefer to use natures source which does not cause any root burn.  

3. Use a Humidifier

If you’ve been in Edmonton for any amount of time you know how dry the air can be – especially in the winter. Increasing the humidity in your house keeps your houseplants healthy and happy and can prevent their leaves from drying. It can also ward off spider mites as they love dry environments. Here are a few easy ways to do this:

• Purchase a humidifier
• Spray the air around your plants with water (I like to do this daily)
• Place humidity loving plants in the bathroom if you have a window that receives ample light
• Put plants together in groups. This increases the humidity as the plants transpire.

4. Grow Lights

Houseplants typically need 6-14hours of sunlight. Many of them can survive in the winter with proper care, but investing in a grow light is an easy way to give your plants a little boost and help them thrive year round (and they are readily available to purchase these days).

5. Move Plants

Many of the popular houseplants we grow in the Edmonton area do well in lower light, but they still need sunshine — and winter doesn’t make that easy. If possible, move your plants to an area of the house that receives more light as the days get shorter. 

Surviving the winter months can be tough for everyone, but my houseplants always bring me joy reminding me of all the life that is brewing underneath the snow. They help us, so let’s help them by giving them proper winter care – even when that means giving them a little less care.