Winter Houseplant Care: What to Pay Attention To

Shorter days, dry indoor air, and chilly drafts make winter a challenging season for houseplants. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your plants healthy and resilient until spring. Here’s how the House Plant Doctor recommends caring for your indoor plants when temperatures drop.

Why Winter Challenges Houseplants

Most houseplants slow their growth in winter due to reduced light and cooler temperatures. This semi-dormant phase means they need less water and food, but more attention to light and humidity. Understanding this seasonal shift helps you avoid overcare—the most common winter mistake.

Light: Short Days, Smart Placement

Maximize natural light

• Move plants closer to bright windows (south or west-facing is ideal) without touching cold glass.
• Clean dusty leaves so they can capture more light; a soft, damp cloth works well.
• Rotate pots 90° weekly to promote even growth and prevent leaning.

Consider grow lights

If your space is dim, use full-spectrum LED lights for 10–12 hours daily, placing them 8–18 inches above foliage. This is especially helpful for light-loving species like succulents and citrus.

Watering and Humidity

Water less, but water well

• Check soil, not the calendar. Water only when the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil is dry.
• Water thoroughly until excess drains, then empty saucers to prevent root rot.
• Avoid ice-cold water. Use room-temperature water to minimize shock.

“When in doubt, wait to water.” Overwatering is winter’s quiet plant killer.

Boost humidity

• Group plants to create a microclimate of higher humidity.
• Use a pebble tray with water under pots (without submerging drainage holes).
• Run a humidifier to maintain 40–50% relative humidity, especially for ferns, calatheas, and orchids.

Temperature and Airflow

• Keep it steady: Aim for 18–24°C (65–75°F) by day, not below 13°C (55°F) at night.
• Protect from drafts: Move plants away from leaky windows and exterior doors.
• Avoid heat blasts: Don’t place plants next to radiators or heating vents; gentle air circulation is fine.

Feeding, Repotting, and Growth

• Pause or reduce fertilizer until late winter/early spring unless the plant is actively growing under strong light.
• Delay repotting unless there’s an urgent issue (severe root rot or pests). Winter stress plus root disturbance can backfire.
• Scout for pests weekly—dry air invites spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem.

Quick Winter Checklist

• Brighter spot, clean leaves, and weekly rotation
• Water by touch test; drain excess
• Humidity 40–50% via grouping, trays, or humidifier
• Stable temps; no drafts or heat blasts
• No heavy feeding or repotting unless necessary
• Regular pest checks and prompt treatment

With these adjustments, your houseplants can stay vibrant all winter—and rebound with fresh growth when spring arrives.