Best Tips for Keeping Your Plants Happy In Winter

Whether your plants have been brought indoors for the cold season, or live inside all year long, the winter months can cause them to look a little sad. In fact, if they aren’t cared for properly, they can die altogether. These tips for keeping your plants happy in winter can help perk them up and all it takes is a few simple steps.

I don’t exactly have a green thumb and caring for plants doesn’t really come naturally to me. So, I’m always looking for tips on how to keep them healthy and happy. One of the trickiest times for me has always been in the winter. That’s why I did some research and found these tips that I wanted to share with you too!

Best Tips for Keeping Your Plants Happy in Winter

Water Less

Although this may sound counter productive, indoor plants require quite a bit less water in the winter months. While the winter is a drier season, especially indoors, plants grow slower in cold weather.

In fact, some plants go almost completely dormant. This means that less water is required to keep them hydrated. Watch the water levels carefully – try cutting back and then increase again a little at a time if needed.

Improve Humidity Levels

One of the biggest issues to keeping your plants alive over the winter months is the humidity levels in your home. Depending on the place you live the humidity in a heated home can drop to as low as 10-20%. This doesn’t help to keep your plants healthy because they require a humidity level of at least 50% to thrive.

It is a good idea to invest in a humidifier to have running in your home in the winter. If that’s not possible, misting your plants or placing them in the bathroom after a shower can help. PS – that humidifier will help you too! Dry air helps spread colds and flu better.

Adjust the Temperature

Much like people, plants are more comfortable in certain temperature ranges. In the daytime, keep your home between 54 and 75 degrees F and at night, ensure your home always rises above 50 degrees F.

To ensure they are kept at the correct temperature, keep them away from direct heat sources and cold drafts. In warmer months, you might keep those plants on the windowsill but that’s much too cold a location in the winter.

Relocate with the Sun

There is much less sunlight and it comes in your windows at a much different angle than usual during the winter months. Relocating your house plants to a spot that has more natural light is a good way to keep your plants healthy.

Choose a west or south facing window that takes in sun all day long. Just remember not to leave them too close to a cold window as it can catch the draft.

It is important to remember not to fuss too much with your houseplants over the winter months though. The truth is, too much attention can kill them too.

Stay on the lookout for signs of detrimental issues that could be eating away at the health of your plants, even in the winter months. Your houseplants will thrive this winter, as long as they are cared for properly.

Already starting think about your spring and summer garden? These tips for beginning gardeners can help you make your plans!