Winter is a tough time for indoor plants—shorter days, colder temperatures, and drier air can take a toll on even the hardiest greenery. As someone who’s gone through a few tough winters with my plant family, I’ve learned some valuable lessons on how to adjust their care and help them thrive during the colder months. So, let’s dive into some practical, straightforward ways to keep your indoor plants happy and healthy when winter rolls around.
Understanding Winter Stress in Indoor Plants
Winter stress is real! For indoor plants, winter means less sunlight, fluctuating temperatures, and drier air, all of which can cause problems like yellowing leaves, drooping stems, or slowed growth. Plants that usually thrive in the warmer months may look a little sadder as the days shorten.
From my experience, the key is understanding that plants slow down in winter. They aren’t dying—they’re just adapting to the season. So, the care routine that worked in summer needs a few tweaks to meet their winter needs. Once I figured that out, I stopped panicking every time a leaf dropped and started focusing on giving my plants what they need.
Adjusting Light Exposure
In winter, the sun becomes a rare visitor. Even the brightest window doesn’t offer the same amount of light as it does in summer. One of the biggest changes I had to make was learning how to supplement natural light.
Natural Light: Maximizing What You Have
Position your plants in the brightest spot possible. South-facing windows work best because they catch the most light. If you have low-light plants like snake plants or ZZ plants, they’ll tolerate dimmer corners, but even they appreciate a little extra light during winter.
Artificial Light: A Game Changer
If your space doesn’t get enough natural light (hello, city living!), artificial lighting can be a lifesaver. A few years ago, I invested in affordable grow lights, and they completely transformed my plant game. Place grow lights 6-12 inches above the plants, and give them about 10-12 hours of light daily. Trust me, the difference is night and day—literally!
Managing Temperature and Drafts
Indoor plants are a lot like us when it comes to temperature—they like it just right. Winter is a tricky time because you have to avoid both chilly drafts and hot air from heaters.
Ideal Temperature Range
Most indoor plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Anything too far outside this range, and they’ll start to struggle. Keep plants away from cold windows or doors, but also avoid placing them near radiators or heating vents.
Creating Microclimates
Here’s a personal tip: If you have a particularly drafty window, try hanging a sheer curtain to block some of the cold without cutting off all the light. Another trick I’ve used is grouping plants together. This creates a little “plant bubble” where they can help each other retain warmth and humidity.
Controlling Humidity Levels
One of the sneaky stressors in winter is the drop in humidity, especially when indoor heating dries out the air. Most indoor plants prefer a humidity level between 40% and 60%. Unfortunately, during winter, indoor air can drop as low as 20%.
Increasing Humidity
You don’t need to go all-out on fancy gadgets. A simple pebble tray can do wonders: just fill a shallow tray with water and pebbles, and place your plants on top. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate. Grouping plants together also helps boost the humidity around them.
DIY Methods
Here’s what worked for me: I bought a small, affordable humidifier and placed it near my plants. It was a game-changer, especially for tropical plants like philodendrons and calatheas that thrive in higher humidity. You can also mist plants lightly, but don’t overdo it—it can lead to mold if the air is too cold.
Watering Wisely
One of the hardest adjustments for me was dialing back on watering. Overwatering is one of the biggest killers of indoor plants during winter because they don’t need as much water as they do in summer.
Adjusting Watering Frequency
Most plants go into a dormant or semi-dormant state during winter, so they don’t need frequent watering. Wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry before you water. For some plants, this could mean cutting back from weekly watering to bi-weekly or even monthly.
Soil Moisture Check
Here’s a tip I swear by: the finger test. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, leave it alone. Another handy tool is a moisture meter, which takes the guesswork out of it, especially for larger pots.Related post:
Fertilizing: To Feed or Not to Feed
Winter isn’t a time for growth spurts. Most plants slow down or stop growing altogether, so they don’t need regular feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm plants during their dormant phase.
The Dormant Period
I typically skip fertilizing my plants from late fall through early spring. However, if you notice your plant still actively growing (this can happen with species like pothos), a diluted, half-strength fertilizer once a month is enough.
Related post: How to fertilize indoor plants.
Pruning and Cleaning
Winter is a good time for a little plant TLC. Pruning and cleaning not only make your plants look better, but it also helps them stay healthy.
Pruning Dead or Damaged Growth
If you see yellow or brown leaves, go ahead and snip them off. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth. I make it a habit to check my plants every couple of weeks for any signs of damage.
Leaf Cleaning
Dust builds up on leaves, blocking light and making it harder for plants to photosynthesize. A simple wipe with a damp cloth can make a huge difference. I use plain water, but some people like to add a drop of mild dish soap for extra shine. Here is a detailed guide on how to keep indoor plants clean.
Rotating Plants
Plants naturally lean toward the light, so rotating them every week or so can help them grow more evenly. This is especially important in winter when light is scarce. I set a reminder on my phone to rotate my plants—easy and effective!
Pest Prevention
Pests love the warm, dry conditions inside our homes during winter. Common winter pests include spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats.
Prevention Methods
Check your plants regularly, especially the undersides of leaves where pests tend to hide. I’ve had great success using neem oil—it’s a natural, non-toxic way to keep pests at bay. Just make sure to treat your plants at the first sign of trouble to prevent infestations.
Choosing the Right Plants for Winter
Some plants just handle winter better than others. If you’re looking to expand your indoor garden, consider adding hardy, low-light plants that don’t mind the winter chill.
Low-Light, Hardy Options
Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants are practically indestructible and thrive with minimal care during winter. Spider plants and peace lilies are also great options for low-light conditions.
Recommended: How to choose the right indoor plants.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your indoor plants. By making a few simple adjustments—giving them enough light, managing humidity, and watering them properly—you can help them thrive even during the darkest months. I’ve been through many winters with my plants, and these strategies have made a world of difference. So take heart—your indoor jungle will survive and, with a little extra love, might even thrive this winter!
Got any winter plant tips or questions? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
