Winter is coming…for your houseplants
Winterizing Houseplants
It’s that dreaded time of the year here in Vermont when we all start to question when will be the day I turn on the heat in the house? If you’re a plant parent then you have probably already turned your heat on and have had humidifiers going 24/7. Or if you are a new plant parent, welcome! Let’s get started on winterizing your leafy companions.
First things first, houseplants need adequate lighting. Once daylight savings hits, it gets super dark earlier on and we have less sunlight during the day.Winter time also means sunlight will be questionable everyday. This happens so often in Vermont. We could have weeks of sunshine and then weeks of overcast. One never knows. This is where getting a grow light comes in handy. There are various kind of grow lights out there and I have used a couple different types. I own a few floor lamps and put grow light bulbs in the fixture and they seem to work great. If you want top of line grow lights, Soltech is where you should buy from. I have heard great things about their grow lights and they offer a few different types of grow lights. Here’s a link to check out their selection.
Now that we have addressed lighting, let us turn our attention to temperature and humidity, which are closely interrelated when it comes to caring for houseplants. During winter, the average household temperature typically ranges from 68 to 72°F, which is on the lower end of the spectrum that houseplants can tolerate. Most houseplants thrive at an ideal indoor temperature of around 75°F. To prevent drastic temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to keep houseplants away from open windows, doors, and heating vents, as these conditions can cause stress and dehydration, potentially jeopardizing the plant's health. Additionally, if your houseplants are situated near closed windows, ensure that their leaves do not come into contact with the cold glass, as this can lead to leaf burn.
For those with a substantial collection of houseplants, grouping them together can help increase humidity levels, which is beneficial during the winter months. While this strategy will not raise the temperature, higher humidity is essential for the health of your plants in colder conditions.
Good segway right? In a previous post, I discussed the effectiveness of wet pebble trays in enhancing humidity levels around plants, particularly during the winter months. During this season, humidity tends to drop significantly, which can lead to an increase in pest activity. To combat this, consider utilizing humidifiers, placing shallow dishes filled with wet pebbles, and grouping your plants together. These strategies serve as your best defense against low humidity and the subsequent emergence of pests.
Having addressed the two primary steps involved in winterizing plants, let us now discuss the natural processes that plants undergo during the winter months—specifically dormancy and leaf loss—factors over which we, as plant parents, have no control. Most houseplants experience some form of dormancy during the cooler months. With reduced daylight, the absorption of water by the root system diminishes. Consequently, it is advisable to adjust your watering schedule to a less frequent regimen. Consider watering only when the soil has dried out completely or when the leaves begin to exhibit signs of droopiness or wrinkling. Plants will effectively communicate their need for water through these visual cues.
Regarding leaf loss, it is natural for houseplants to shed one or two leaves. This typically occurs as older leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off, often in response to seasonal changes that may stress the plant. Pruning away these dying leaves can help mitigate further leaf loss and, in turn, promote healthy growth in the spring by allowing the plant to produce new foliage. This cycle is a fundamental aspect of plant life.
If you found this post to be educationally helpful, check out my other posts about easy care and pet friendly plants. Or if you have further questions and need help, let’s chat about plants through a personal consultation with me as your guide!
For now…
