Summer will not endure forever, despite how hot and humid it is. And if you’re like millions of other gardeners, you know how you feel about your plant babies. You adore them and find it difficult to say goodbye at the end of the season! Protecting your plants from unexpected cold snaps or early frosts might help you extend the growing season.
That isn’t to say you can’t squeeze a few more weeks out of your garden. If you suspect an early frost or a harsh freeze is on the way, apps like Accuweather can help. You can take several things to give some insulation, which may help your plants survive a bit longer. There’s always a risk when we talk about nature—but they’re worth trying. And believe us when we say there’s always more to learn about gardening!
Here are some ideas for keeping indoor plants warm during the winter:
1. Reduce your watering and use warm water for your plants.
Most houseplants lie dormant during the fall and winter months, even if your plants are indoors. Less light implies less growth, which means less water and fertilizer. It may also mean less feeding for your indoor plants in the winter.
As per standard watering guidelines, water only when dry an inch or two below the surface. Make sure your plants don’t sit in water for long periods. It can create root rot, fungus, mold, and other problems. If you notice yellow leaves or moldy
Most houseplant owners follow a weekly watering schedule. You may want to stick to it for consistency’s sake and avoid breaking the rhythm. But, reduce the amount of water you offer by 25 to 50 percent on your weekly watering days.
2. Give them plenty of light.
We all need light, and it’s challenging to get enough of it when the days are as short as they are now. Plants, like people, need light to thrive, even indoor plants. During the winter, homes receive a limited quantity of light. If your house does not face the appropriate direction, you may only get light in specific rooms and windows.
Prepare to transfer your plants near windows and light-filled locations during the winter. For optimal light, make sure the windows are clean both inside and out. Make sure to remove any dust accumulated on the leaves to absorb the light more effectively. Almost any houseplant benefits from the winter sun.
If you don’t have any bright windows, artificial lighting can undoubtedly help. If you don’t have enough window space in the winter, use a grow lamp to augment your plants’ light needs.
White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants
3. Increase humidity.
When it comes to the health of your houseplants, humidity is a significant factor. Most houseplants are from tropical locations, ranging from 77% to 88%. They are also grown under ideal humidity levels in nurseries.
But, when you bring the same plants home, you will expose them to a frigid air conditioner. Doing so may continually suck away moisture. If it’s winter, your heating system is drying up the air, which is bad for your houseplants.
Low moisture does not suit tropical plants. Imagine doing your best to care for them by reading their needs and marking the calendar for watering schedules. But you may still end up with dry, limp leaves. Humidity conditions in your home can contribute to your indoor plants‘ poor appearance. Here are some of the best ways to increase room’s humidity for your indoor plants.
4. Keep your indoor plants clean.
Dust on houseplant leaves can clog pores and harbor pests. So it’s critical to clean foliage regularly. Additionally, permanently remove damaged and diseased leaves. They can carry illnesses or pests.
Dust smooth-leaved plants with a brush before spraying with water. Instead of spraying or washing hairy plants or cactus, use a brush. Pinch out the stems at the base of the plant to remove damaged, yellowing leaves. Insects prefer to hide in the dust on the leaves, making it challenging to discover them. Your plant is more vulnerable in the winter because it falls into dormancy. It prevents it from growing out of bug damage.
Put your plants in the bathtub every couple of weeks and give them a gentle shower with a handheld sprayer. You can also wipe the dust and filth off with a moist towel. Keeping the leaves clean allows them to perform photosynthesis more efficiently.
5. Reduce plant fertilizers.
Fertilizing your indoor plant is essential for healthy, bushy growth. Should you fertilize your indoor plants during the fall and winter dormant seasons? Will fertilizing our plants during the dormant season benefit them, or will it harm them?
Most houseplants develop in the spring and summer and go dormant in the winter. So, it would help if you didn’t fertilize them. Fertilizing your plants in the winter can cause a variety of issues. It can have an impact on their general health. It would be best to only fertilize indoor plants in the spring and summer.
Fertilization is essential for plant health. But, excessive fertilization or fertilization at the wrong time of year might cause various issues with your plant.
Before adding fertilizer, check your
6. Keep an eye on the temperature.
Most plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Keep your plants away from cold drafts and sources of heat like radiators, ovens, fireplaces, and electronic devices.
Temperature fluctuations can kill houseplants just as quickly as continuous heat or cold spells.
Final Word
Now you know more about how to keep indoor plants warm in winter!
During the winter, your houseplants will be vulnerable to life-threatening threats. Several winter stress factors can influence indoor plants. Check temperature fluctuations from afternoon heat to evening chill. Dry air and short days restrict the quantity of light they receive. Changing the way you care for your houseplants is the key to keeping them warm during the winter.
