5 Tricks to Keeping House Plants Alive in the Winter

So, I don’t know about you, but in the last few weeks, my house plants have started to look a little yellow, less lively, and just all around unhappy. The troubling part is I haven’t changed my routine! So, what is wrong with my indoor babies? Living in one of the coldest, shortest daylight regions in the world, many of us feel the impact of winter, and just like us, houseplants are feeling the change too. Don’t worry, we all know winters are temporary in the grand scope of the year, but what does this mean for our green housemates?

Well, we have 5 tips that will help keep your plants happy, healthy, and thriving all winter long!

Cut back the water Since the temperatures drastically changed, you may notice your plants developing moldy soil, small bugs, or maybe leaves beginning to turn yellow in certain spots. These are all signs that your plants are being over watered. Your plants need less water in the winter, but they still need some. If you notice your plant looking droopy or wilted, it’s time to give them a good drink of water. If you have been overwatering and your plant has developed moldy soil, then kill off all of the mold with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:10 ratio). When it comes to adjusting your watering routine, a good rule of thumb to follow is to double the length of time between watering or only water when they appear thirsty. Most plant parents follow the 7-day rule which during the hot months is a great schedule for the majority.  During the winter we suggest lengthening that time frame and only watering every 14-20 days. During their dormancy period less is more so hold back the water as you will do more damage purely by over watering.

Follow the sun

In the northwest, our summer days are long with some nights only partially dark before the sun rises again. With the lack of daylight during these months, we need to expose our houseplants to as much sunlight as possible. Rotating positions throughout the day will allow your plants to absorb the sunlight from both the morning and afternoon depending on the direction of your windows. Evaluate which direction your home faces and move your plants accordingly!

Depending on how large some of your plants may be, or how many you have, replacing a few bulbs in your house from incandescent lights to full spectrum lights will also do the trick! Full spectrum lights can hold many of the same fullness and lighting appearance as incandescent lighting despite the difference in spectral properties. The properties emitted from full spectrum lights provide your plants with the foundation required from natural light. This can be done by either replacing bulbs already in your home or purchasing smaller full spectrum lamps specifically designed to sit in your pots and provide direct light to your plants.

Give them a bath Look at your shelves and blinds. The summer brings a lot of dust into your house and with the added heat, dust sticks to EVERYTHING! Plants need to be able to take in air through their leaves, and dust can interfere with this process. Try giving them a little bath! Delicately wipe down the leaves with a lukewarm cloth or a warm shower with very light water pressure. This is a great winter treat for your plant babies. To do this without traumatizing your plants, rest them on the floor of the shower and slowly turn on the showerhead so that light warm water pressure gently coats, and runs off all the leaves. Clean the plant thoroughly to remove all dirt and dust, which will rejuvenate it during its rest period.

Increase humidity

Not only is the dry Alberta climate harsh on many of our houseplants, but the winters are 10 times worse! We can all attest to the fact that most of our house plants originate from the tropics making our climate particularly difficult for them to thrive! If you have a humidifier, put it to use. Put the humidifier in a room with your plants. The added humidity will help with cutting back on water and keeping the environment comfortable during the dormant stage. Alternatively, if you don’t have a humidifier, give them a little mist right on the leaves once or twice a week for some added moisture. To often can be just as damaging as over watering so ensure your leaves have time to dry before spraying again.

No extra love!! Other then these simple steps, let your babies be for the remainder of the winter. This means no repotting or fertilizing as this will only traumatize it in its dormant phase. Keep them humid, comfortable and in as much light as possible, however, your house plants want to be left alone. You have been taking great care of your plants all summer, all that love, and care paired with minimal maintenance will carry your plants through till the spring. As spring arrives in a few months, your plants will be ready to emerge from hibernation and receive the care they need so that they may continue growing through another warm summer season.

In all honesty, keeping your plants alive and happy is not the hard part. It’s all about ensuring that you’re providing the proper care at the proper time of year.  Remembering that our climate is not native to most and that we are to provide them with a happy and healthy environment so they can thrive! When it comes to quality products that care for your plants, ensure you are providing enough nutrients, food, drainage, and sunlight that your plants need. Do your research and reach out to our team with any questions as to what soils, fertilizers, and added benefits you should be ensuring your plants have to live their best lives.