Houseplants tend to go dormant in the winter months to conserve their energy and slow down their growth.
The natural process allows the plant to survive adverse conditions and prepare to bounce back in the spring.
To see whether your plant is dormant, pinch the stem of the plant or bend it back to see if it’s flexible. If it is, it is alive, but if it snaps off, it’s likely dead.
Even if your plant is dormant, it still requires some care in the winter months.
Luckily, Easy Garden Irrigation’s managing director, Sean Lade, has shared his tips for looking after houseplants during the winter months.
The gardening expert said indoor plants require different care in the winter months as daylight hours change and the air inside our homes gets drier due to central heating.
Sean said the “best ways to keep your houseplants healthy during the colder months” are to adjust the watering routine and maximise lighting.
How to care for houseplants in winter
1. Adjust watering
Central heating can dry out the air, which means houseplants may need higher humidity levels but less frequent watering.
He said: “Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering and consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture.
“Avoid placing plants near radiators or drafty areas, as sudden temperature changes can stress them.
“When watering tropical plants, such as philodendrons and orchids, use lukewarm water to avoid shocking their roots.”
2. Maximise light
Plants may need repositioning in winter as there is less natural light in the winter months.
Sean said: “Consider placing your plants near south-facing windows for more light exposure while keeping them away from cold drafts.
“If natural light is still limited, a grow light can supplement it and is a cheap solution. Dust on leaves can block sunlight, too, so gently wipe them down with a damp microfibre cloth.
“Adding a few drops of neem oil or horticultural soap to the water can also help prevent pests.”
