While winter is often a time of slower growth, cold weather coming does NOT mean that your houseplants will stop thriving! Follow our easy tips to ensure your plants stay happy all winter long.
Avoid repotting in the winter - Because many plants are in a slower part of their natural cycles, they will have a hard time acclimating to new pots or to dramatic changes. Repot only if necessary - if you notice signs of root rot or pests.
Pull back on fertilizer and water less frequently - Plants use less energy in the winter. Most houseplants only need water when the top inch of soil is completely dry. Overwatering will leave your houseplants susceptible to root rot and pest problems! We do still recommend fertilizing your plants once a month with Flourish Plant Food to ensure they have the nutrients they need to thrive - if a plant continues to grow through the winter, fertilize normally.
Keep plants away from drafts, cold window sills, or heating vents - Definitely move all tropical plants inside. Also, try to keep plants in a spot that doesn't have dramatic shifts in temperature. With many folks turning on their heating, homes can get very dry in the winter. For your tropical houseplants or plants with thinner leaves, consider getting a small humidifier to keep their leaves happy and avoid crispy edges or dried leaves.
Don't Freak Out - growth will be slowing and leaf attrition at this time of year is normal. You might see leaves yellowing or dying, which is very typical in the winter - this should happen slowly to older leaves.
If plants are really struggling or you want to see more growth, consider using grow lights (small lamps with optimal lights for growing) for a few hours a day!
