Keep your indoor garden thriving through the colder, darker, and drier months.
Winter is known as the quiet season in the garden becausemost outdoor plants aren’t doing much.
It’s the same for your indoor garden.
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Of course, your houseplants don’t have to endure snow and chilly winds whipping across the landscape.
You’ll need to adjust how youcare for your houseplantsin winter to keep them healthy and thriving.
The more sunlight a plant receives, the thirstier it will be over time, Marino explains.
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Opt for a smaller watering can toavoid the temptation of over-watering.
Instead of following a schedule, it’s better to check how the potting mix feels before watering.
Poke your finger at least an inch into the soil.
If it’s dry,water the plant thoroughly.
If it’s moist, wait a couple more days and check the soil again.
If you’d rather not get your fingers dirty,use a moisture meter.
“Remember, it’s easier to add water than to remove it!
So, lean toward the side of underwatering if you want to be extra cautious,” Marino says.
If boosting the light levels isn’t an option for you,most plants will be just fine.
“Your inside plants will adjust to the seasonal change outside,” Marino says.
“This is perfectly normal, as they are adjusting to the lower light levels of being indoors.”
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Regular household temperatures that you’re comfortable in are fine for most houseplants during the winter.
Pause the Fertilizer
Most houseplants rest in the winter.
They tend to grow very little, if at all.
Because they are not producing new leaves and stems, theydon’t require fertilizer.
Patrol for Houseplant Pests
Winter is prime time for tinysap-sucking insects such as aphidsand scale to pop up.
Spider mites are another common winter pest because they like warm, dry conditions.
Turn plant leaves over and inspect their undersides every time you water.
Check along stems, too.
If you find any pests, try wiping them off with your fingers or an alcohol-soaked cotton ball.
For large infestations, insecticidal soap andneem oilare safer options for getting rid of houseplant pests.
Up the Humidity
The air inside our heated homes tends to be drier in winter months.
A simple way to ramp up the humidity around plants is to cluster them together.
Another easy method to increase humidity is to place plants on trays filled with pebbles and water.
The bottoms of the pots should be above the water level to avoid root rot.
As the water evaporates, it creates a more humid microclimate for your houseplants.
Test Garden Tip:Misting plants is not an effective way to increase humidity.
You’d be better offusing a humidifier nearby.
Resist Repotting Houseplants
Plants take well to repotting when they are actively growing.
That’s why spring and summer are the best timesto repot houseplants.
You might be tempted to get your hands in some soil and repot in the depths of winter.
