Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Plants Happy in Winter

Pretty much everyone seems to be on the indoor plant bandwagon these days (and for good reason), but keeping them alive can be more of a challenge! As the seasons change so do the needs of your plants, so today I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. I’d love to hear your tips for keeping your indoor plants happy in winter too!

Tips to Keep Your Indoor Plants Happy in Winter | I Spy Plum Pie

Water them less

When the temperature drops so does the amount of watering your plants are going to need. The lack of heat means the soil is likely to dry out more slowly, so you need to test a few centimetres down to see how dry it is before watering again. You definitely don’t want to overwater as that’s an easy way to kill your beloved plants!

Find the light

Another key way to keep your indoor plants happy in winter is to find the light, and move them towards it. Sunshine comes in our homes in different ways in winter and so spots they may have been thriving in until now may no longer cut the mustard. To help your plants absorb as much of the light as they can keep the leaves dust free and rotate the pots regularly as well.

Reduce the feeding

Lots of plants go almost dormant in the colder months, saving their energy for a growth spurt over spring. As a result you should re-assess your regular feeding schedule to reduce the amount of fertiliser you give your plants. Once you see new growth starting to emerge then go back to giving them the boost they need!

Up the humidity

Most indoor plants love at least some level of humidity given lots of them are tropical species. In winter the humidity level in your home drops off, so you need to help raise it to ensure you keep your indoor plants happy in winter. This can be done through the use of a humidifier, but if, like me, you don’t have one, there are still things you can do.

Firstly, clump your plants together as much as possible, and make use of the most humid spots in your home – in particular your bathroom and kitchen. Another trick is to place a tray of water in amongst your plants to help raise the level of humidity around them. You don’t want the plants touching the water, but you can sit them above the water by popping them on some pebbles.

Be aware of temperature

While you’re paying attention to the humidity levels also think about the overall temperature where your plants are. You don’t want them in a super cold, draughty spot, but too much heat is just as bad for them. Keep them away from direct heat of open fires or heating systems and try and create as little fluctuation in temperature as you can.

Prune and repot

The dormant winter months is the best time to have a good look at the health of your indoor plants and see what you can do to keep them happy. Prune away any dead leaves or growth that has gotten out of control to help promote healthy, happy growth over spring. It’s also an excellent time to repot any plants that have outgrown their current home and put them in pots a size or two larger. They’ll thank you for it later!

Are you an indoor plant fan too? What are your tips to keep your indoor plants happy in winter?

Join the Weekly News & get my Meal Planning 101 Guide!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge