How to Care for Houseplants in Winter

Although houseplants experience a period of dormancy, they need regular care. However, winter care differs from the rest of the year. Generally speaking, plants are more susceptible to overwatering or thermal shock.

Some flowering and tropical plants (orchids, banana trees, nightshades) may even be bothered by apples or oranges that we keep in a bowl on the table.

Ripening fruit releases ethylene, which accelerates wilting. The presence of ethylene is also unfavorable for cut flowers.

On the other hand, hibiscus, dracaenas, snake plants, or rubber plants don't require increased attention.

Here is a list of basic rules to follow when caring for houseplants in winter:

Sufficient Light

Since plants don't receive enough daylight, they hardly grow at all. Therefore, it's important to place the plant in the brightest spot in your home. Sometimes it's recommended to move plants during winter.
On days when sunlight is weakest and lasts the shortest time, plants should be positioned as close to the window as possible.

Warmth and Adequate Watering

However, we should be careful with occasional ventilation. Sometimes even a little draft or cold air from poorly sealed windows is enough for a plant to start wilting and losing leaves.

Leaves are also susceptible to dry air, so they should be kept as far away from central heating as possible. The optimal location for houseplants is where the temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. If we cannot ensure this temperature along with a sunny spot, we must pay attention to regular watering.

In the opposite case, in a bright location, we reduce watering frequency to a minimum. It's good to keep the substrate only slightly moist. At room temperature, water once a week.

Fertilizing or Top Dressing

Fertilizing plants during winter is usually not necessary; in fact, it can even harm them. Only those that bloom during winter require nutrients.

For other houseplants, the first fertilization is ideal at the end of February or beginning of March, when it's also suitable to repot the plant.

Dust and Pests

Since plants need to absorb as much light as possible in winter, it's necessary to keep their leaves clean. Therefore, it's advisable to wipe dust off the leaves once a week. Leaf shine spray can help, which not only repels dust but also protects against pests.

Simply apply it from a distance of about 30 centimeters once every three months. However, shine spray is not suitable for all types of plants. It's not appropriate for palms, ferns, violets, or orchids, for example.

We should also check once a week for possible pests. If any are found, immediate elimination is obviously necessary. Sometimes wiping the plant with a damp cloth or showering it is sufficient. If not, using a spray is appropriate.