Indoor plants add life and beauty to our homes, but when winter arrives, they often face new challenges. Shorter days, less sunlight, colder air, and changes in humidity can all impact plant health. If you’ve ever noticed your plants struggling during the colder months, you’re not alone. Learning the basics of indoor plant care in winter ensures your greenery stays healthy and continues to brighten your space year-round.
This guide covers everything from adjusting watering habits to managing humidity, light, and temperature so that your plants thrive even in the darkest season.
Why Indoor Plants Struggle in Winter
Winter brings environmental changes that affect plants in ways we may not immediately notice:
- Reduced sunlight: Shorter days and weaker rays mean less energy for photosynthesis.
- Lower humidity: Indoor heating dries the air, leaving plants thirsty.
- Cool drafts and temperature fluctuations: Moving between warm rooms and cold windows can stress plants.
- Dormancy: Many houseplants naturally slow their growth or go dormant in winter.
Understanding these challenges is the first step in learning how to adjust your care routine.
Light: Helping Plants Through Shorter Days
Light is the most important factor for plant growth, and in winter, it becomes scarce.
Tips to Maximize Winter Light:
- Move plants closer to windows: Place them near south- or west-facing windows, which receive the most sunlight.
- Clean windows regularly: Dust and dirt reduce the amount of light coming through.
- Rotate plants: Turn pots every couple of weeks so all sides get light evenly.
- Consider grow lights: If your space is especially dark, a full-spectrum grow light can make a big difference.
Example: A monstera placed in a north-facing corner may suffer in winter. Moving it to a bright west-facing window or supplementing with a grow light helps maintain healthy leaves.
Watering: Less Is Often More
Many beginners make the mistake of overwatering in winter. Because plants grow slower and use less water, soggy soil can lead to root rot.
How to Water Correctly in Winter:
- Check soil first: Stick your finger about 1–2 inches into the soil. Only water if it feels dry.
- Use room-temperature water: Cold water can shock the roots.
- Reduce frequency: Watering every 10–14 days is often enough, depending on the plant.
- Empty saucers: Never leave water sitting under the pot.
Rule of thumb: “It’s safer to underwater than overwater during winter.”
Humidity: Keeping the Air Moist
Indoor heating systems often lower humidity to 20–30%, while most houseplants prefer 40–60%. Dry air can cause brown tips, crispy leaves, or pest problems.
Ways to Increase Humidity:
- Group plants together: This creates a mini microclimate of shared moisture.
- Use a humidifier: A small tabletop humidifier is ideal for plant-heavy rooms.
- Pebble trays: Place pots on trays filled with water and pebbles. As water evaporates, it boosts humidity.
- Mist with care: Light misting can help, but avoid overdoing it, especially with plants prone to fungal issues.
Temperature: Avoiding Drafts and Cold Stress
Most indoor plants prefer stable temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C–24°C). Winter often brings sudden shifts that stress plants.
Temperature Care Tips:
- Keep away from drafts: Avoid placing plants near doors or leaky windows.
- Avoid direct heat: Don’t put plants too close to radiators or heating vents.
- Use curtains at night: Closing curtains helps insulate plants near windows from cold glass.
- Relocate sensitive plants: Tropical varieties may need extra protection from cold spots.
Fertilizing: To Feed or Not to Feed?
Because many plants slow down or enter dormancy in winter, they need fewer nutrients.
- Pause or reduce fertilizing: Most plants don’t require fertilizer during this season.
- Resume in spring: Start feeding again when you see signs of new growth.
- Exceptions: If you use grow lights and plants continue actively growing, light feeding may still be beneficial.
Pruning and Cleaning in Winter
Winter is a good time for maintenance, even if growth slows.
What to Do:
- Prune dead or yellowing leaves: This keeps plants tidy and prevents pests.
- Clean dusty leaves: Dust blocks light. Wipe with a damp cloth or give plants a gentle shower.
- Pinch leggy growth: Helps encourage bushier growth when spring arrives.
Pests: Staying Alert in Winter
Dry air and weakened plants make winter a prime season for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Inspect regularly: Check leaves (especially undersides) weekly.
- Isolate infested plants: Prevent pests from spreading.
- Use natural remedies: Neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, or wiping with alcohol can control infestations.
- Increase humidity: Some pests thrive in dry conditions, so keeping moisture levels up helps.
Repotting: Wait Until Spring
Repotting is best done in spring or summer when plants are actively growing. In winter, disturbing the roots may cause unnecessary stress.
Exceptions:
- If a plant is severely rootbound and struggling, repot carefully even in winter.
- Otherwise, refresh soil by adding compost or replacing the top layer instead of a full repot.
Special Care for Different Plant Types
Succulents and Cacti
- Require minimal watering in winter.
- Place in the brightest spot possible.
- Avoid misting (they prefer dry air).
Tropical Plants (Monstera, Philodendron, Ferns)
- Need higher humidity levels.
- Light misting or humidifiers are very beneficial.
Flowering Plants (Orchids, African Violets)
- Some bloom in winter and may need extra light.
- Avoid cold drafts to protect flowers.
Winter Plant Care Checklist
Here’s a simple step-by-step routine for indoor plant care in winter:
- Move plants to brighter spots or add grow lights.
- Water less frequently, always checking soil first.
- Maintain humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers.
- Keep plants away from drafts and heating vents.
- Pause or reduce fertilizing.
- Prune, clean, and inspect plants regularly.
- Watch for pests and act quickly if you spot any.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: The most common cause of winter plant deaths.
- Ignoring humidity: Dry indoor air can be devastating for tropical plants.
- Moving plants too often: Frequent changes in environment stress plants.
- Fertilizing heavily: Extra nutrients aren’t absorbed and may damage roots.
Final Thoughts
Caring for indoor plants in winter may seem tricky, but with a few adjustments, your green companions can thrive all season long. The key is to understand how the environment changes indoors and respond with smarter watering, light, humidity, and temperature management.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your plants healthy until spring arrives, when they’ll reward you with new growth and vibrant energy.
Remember: winter doesn’t have to mean survival mode for your indoor plants—it can be a season of quiet strength and preparation for the growth ahead. 🌿