While outdoor gardens slow down in winter, indoor plants need a different kind of attention. According to the experts at Down to Earth Living, common cold-weather issues such as overwatering, reduced natural light, and dry indoor air can all take a toll on houseplants during the colder months.
“Most houseplants slow their growth significantly in winter,” said Stuart Leventhal, Owner, Down to Earth Living. “Simple changes to watering, light, and placement can help reduce stress and support plant health until spring.”
Water Less
During the winter months, overwatering is a common issue, as most houseplants slow their growth and need far less water than they do in warmer seasons.
- Water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch
- Empty saucers to prevent roots from sitting in excess water
- Succulents and cacti typically need water only every three to four weeks
- When in doubt, skip watering; too little is safer than too much in winter
Prioritize Light
Shorter days and lower sun angles make light a major challenge for indoor plants in winter.
- Move plants closer to windows, especially those facing south or west to maximize available light
- Rotate plants every couple of weeks to encourage even growth
- Consider using simple grow lights for light-loving plants, such as fiddle leaf figs, citrus, or herbs. Pale leaves, leggy growth, and leaf drop can signal insufficient light
Increase Humidity
Indoor heating systems significantly reduce humidity, which can stress houseplants.
- Group plants together to create micro-humidity
- Use pebble trays with water kept below the pot base
- Place small humidifiers near tropical plants
- Keep plants away from radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, and drafty windows
- Plants such as calatheas, ferns, orchids, and peace lilies are especially sensitive to dry air and will benefit from these extra steps
Pause Fertilizing
Most houseplants benefit from a winter break from feeding.
- Hold off on fertilizing until late February or March
- Fertilizing during dormancy can stress plant roots
- Exception: Plants actively growing under grow lights may continue to need fertilizer
Watch for Pests and Seasonal Leaf Drop
Dry indoor air can create ideal conditions for pests such as spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and scale.
- Inspect plants weekly and isolate affected plants early
- Some leaf drop is normal in winter due to reduced light or temperature changes
- Dust leaves with a damp cloth to improve light absorption
Staying attentive to these simple adjustments helps ensure healthy, attractive houseplants all winter long.
Free On-Site Potting and Repotting Services
When Down to Earth Living reopens for the season on March 10, customers will be able to take advantage of free on-site potting and repotting services with the purchase of houseplants or new containers for existing plants.
Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, is a Garden Center serving Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties and the Hudson Valley, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features a selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum, and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. Located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, N.Y., Down to Earth Living is closed for its winter break and will reopen on March 10. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.
Stay Ahead of Spring with This Winter Garden Care Checklist from Down to Earth Living.
