Winter Plant Tips

Adjust Your Watering Routine

It might sound counterintuitive, but most indoor plants need  Less Water. While it’s true that winter air is drier, plants experience a slower rate of growth during colder months; some even go completely dormant. Therefore, plants need less water to keep hydrated, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Keep in mind that different plants have different water needs—drought-tolerant cacti and other succulents might not need watering at all, while some tropicals might still require more regular watering.

Surface soil can dry out more quickly during the winter months, but that’s not a good indicator that the plant needs water. Push your finger into the soil to determine if it is dry an inch or two below the surface—that’s when it’s time to bring out the watering can.

Tip

Do not use cold water to water your houseplants. Use water that is about room temperature to avoid shocking the plant’s roots. Tap water can get very cold in some winter climates, so let the water sit for several hours before watering your plants. Gradual warming in this way also allows dissolved gases, such as chlorine, to evaporate out of the water.

Aside from choosing the right location for your plant based on light, there are choices you make for location based on watering needs.

Keep like with like. If it’s possible, grow similar plants next to each other, so you won’t have to thread your way among various plants while watering. Keep your succulents with your succulents and your aroids with your aroids.

Another good option is the old trick of placing your plants on or near a tray of water. But, don’t let the plants sit directly in the water. Place pebbles or stones in the tray to raise the bottom of the pots above the water level in the tray and place the pots on top of the stones. This will increase humidity levels without inviting root rot.

Keep a water supply nearby. If your plants aren’t near a water source, make your life easy and hide a watering container somewhere in the room where they’re located. This will make it easier to regularly water.