Winter Houseplant Care: Tips to Keep Your Green Friends Thriving!
Did you know your houseplant friends need different care in the winter? With less sunlight during the season, most house plants photosynthesize less, leading to slower growth. Now is the perfect time to figure out how to nurture and care for your plants during the colder months. Let’s dive in!
Are Your Houseplants Still Growing?
The first step to winter care is assessing your plants. Take a close look for new growth or emerging leaves!
If your plants are growing: You can still fertilize during the winter! Just make sure to adjust your approach (more on this below).
If your plants have slowed or stopped growing: It’s okay to pause fertilizing. Winter can be a time for your plants to flush out built-up minerals and salts from previous feedings, giving them a fresh start for spring.
Winter Fertilizing Tips
Fertilizing in winter differs from the active growing months. If your plants are still showing growth:
Dilute your fertilizer to half-strength. With less sunlight and slower photosynthesis, they don’t need as much nutrition.
Feed your plants 1-2 times a month.
We love using Sustane Flourish Organic Houseplant Fertilizer for a gentle nutrient boost. Sustane is the product we use on our Collector Plant Collection in the greenhouse! Pair this with a soil conditioner like any products from our Neptune’s Harvest line to help your plants absorb nutrients more efficiently—a fantastic addition anytime, especially in winter.
For orchids that actively grow and bloom during winter, try Jack’s All-Purpose Active Feed and Bloom-Boosting Orchid Feed to support their specific needs.
Boosting Winter Light
Short winter days can leave your plants craving more light. Consider investing in grow lights to keep them happy! We offer a variety of options, including bulbs and easy-to-use light set-ups. Adding extra light ensures your plants can photosynthesize properly, even during low-light winters.
Dust Those Leaves!
Did you know that a layer of dust on your plant’s leaves can block light and reduce photosynthesis? Take time to wipe down your plant’s leaves with a damp cloth. This simple task can make a big difference in their overall health.
Avoid Winter Repotting
Even if your plant shows some growth, winter is not the ideal time to repot. Repotting can stress plants, and it’s better to wait until spring when they’re ready to bounce back. Instead, use this time to plan for a big repotting session in April when your plants will be eager to stretch their roots.
Plan for Spring, Care for Winter
Thoughtful care during the winter months sets the stage for a thriving spring! With these tips, your houseplants can stay happy and healthy all winter long. Remember, every little effort you make for them now will pay off when the growing season returns. Happy winter plant care!