As the temperature drops and daylight hours shrink, your houseplants require a little extra care to stay happy and healthy through the winter months. Changes in light, humidity, and indoor temperatures can impact their growth, but with a few simple adjustments, your green friends can thrive until spring. Here’s your guide to winter plant care, from lighting and watering to nutrients and humidity.
Winter Plant Care Tips and Tricks:
1. Adjust Lighting for Shorter Days
During winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, and daylight is limited, which can leave your plants craving light. Even those near windows may not get enough to photosynthesize properly.
• Move Plants Closer to Windows: Place plants near south- or west-facing windows for maximum sunlight exposure. Clean windows regularly to let in more light.
• Supplement with Grow Lights: Use full-spectrum grow lights, such as the Aspect Grow Light, to ensure your plants get the light they need during the darker months. Soltech’s lights mimic natural sunlight with a warm, white glow, providing consistent, full-spectrum illumination to keep your plants healthy and thriving all winter long.
• Rotate Your Plants: Turn plants every few days so all sides receive light evenly, preventing leaning or leggy growth.
👉 Tip: Be mindful of cold drafts from windows—plants still need warmth even when they’re chasing light!
2. Water Less, But Stay Consistent
Your plants’ growth slows in winter, meaning they require less water. Overwatering is the most common winter mistake, leading to root rot.
• Check Before You Water: Test the soil by sticking your finger an inch deep. Water only when it feels dry.
• Reduce Frequency: Most plants need water half as often in winter compared to summer.
• Use Room-Temperature Water: Cold water can shock the roots, so let it sit for a while to warm up before watering.
👉 Tip: Keep a consistent watering schedule, but adapt it to your plants’ slower winter needs.
3. Monitor Humidity Levels
Indoor air becomes much drier in winter due to heating systems, and many plants—especially tropical ones—struggle without adequate humidity.
• Group Plants Together: Plants release moisture through their leaves, so clustering them creates a mini-humid environment.
• Use a Humidifier: A humidifier is a great way to maintain ideal humidity levels (40–60%) for most houseplants. Just be sure to keep it away from books, electronics, or other items that could be damaged by moisture.
• Misting: While misting plants can temporarily increase humidity, it’s more effective to focus on lasting solutions like trays of water or a humidifier.
👉 Tip: Place a tray of pebbles and water near plants; as the water evaporates, it adds humidity to the air.
4. Keep Temperatures Stable
Sudden temperature changes can stress plants in winter. Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65–75°F during the day and no lower than 55°F at night.
• Avoid Drafts: Keep plants away from cold windows, doors, and vents.
• Don’t Overheat: Move plants away from radiators or heaters, as dry, hot air can damage leaves.
• Insulate Windows: Use curtains or thermal film to help stabilize the temperature near plants.
👉 Tip: If your plant’s leaves are yellowing or browning, check for temperature stress or dry air.
5. Feed Sparingly
Plants go into a natural “dormant” phase in winter, meaning their growth slows or stops. During this time, they don’t need as many nutrients.
• Cut Back on Fertilizer: Stop fertilizing most plants, or feed them at half strength every 6–8 weeks.
• Exceptions: Some plants that continue actively growing, like flowering houseplants, may benefit from light feeding.
👉 Tip: Over-fertilizing can harm plants in winter, so let them rest and save the nutrients for spring!
6. Keep an Eye on Pests
Winter can invite pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs, which thrive in dry indoor environments.
• Inspect Regularly: Check leaves (top and underside), stems, and soil for pests.
• Clean Leaves: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests while keeping plants healthy.
• Treat Infestations: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a gentle shower rinse if pests appear.
👉 Tip: Increasing humidity can also deter spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions.
Give Your Plants the Winter TLC They Deserve
With a few simple changes to lighting, watering, and humidity, you can help your plants survive—and even thrive—during the winter months. Incorporating grow lights like the Aspect Grow Light or Vita Grow Light ensures they get the light they need while adding warmth and ambiance to your space. By staying attentive to their needs, you’ll keep your plants happy, healthy, and ready to burst into growth come springtime!
Be sure to check out our Plant Guide for in-depth tips and information specific to your plant.
