By Lois Scott, Master Gardener

Full disclosure:  Just a few short years ago, before Master Gardener training, I considered my house the place where houseplants came to die.  Changing my plant care routines has saved plant lives but winter has its challenges.

Watering

As a Master Gardener in training, I learned that 80% of house plant “failures” were due to over-watering.  That was empowering for me and changing watering practices has led to success.  In winter, plant growth is decreased and house plants need less water.  Before watering check to see if the top 1-2” of soil is dry.  With smaller plants you can also get to know the weight of a saturated pot relative to a dry pot by lifting them a few times between waterings.  Water thoroughly only when your plant feels dry.  Underwatering is much better than overwatering.  Signs of overwatering include the wilting or yellowing of lower leaves and inner leaves advancing to scorch, leaf drop and plant death. 

Fertilizing

During the winter when houseplants may not be actively growing, they do not need fertilizing.

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/03/fertilizing-houseplants#:~:text=As%20a%20rule%20of%20thumb,from%20October%20until%20the%20spring.

Humidity

Humidity levels are lower in our homes during the winter.  For house plants that prefer higher humidity the only sure way to provide this is by increasing the humidity in your home which may be problematic.  Some people advocate misting plants, placing them on a pebble tray filled with water or clustering plants so that they can benefit from the water that each plant transpires.  The effectiveness of these methods is questionable.  Choosing plants that tolerate less humid conditions, like succulents is another option.  Plants suffering from low humidity may develop drying and browning around leaf edges.

Light

As light levels drop in winter some plants may need to be moved to increase the amount of light they receive or have supplemental light provided such as fluorescent grow lights.  Symptoms of not enough light include pale green, yellow to white leaves, leggy stems, dropping leaves, variegated leaves becoming solid green or flowering plants not flowering.  Lighting for plants is an involved discussion but this article https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lighting-indoor-plants has good information. 

Houseplants are a beautiful indoor feature providing pleasure for many.  Mastering winter care for your house plants will keep them healthy and beautiful, a wonderful touch of green in our winter world.