How to Keep Plants Healthy During the Winter

Winter is tough on all of us—shorter days, colder temps, and way less sunshine. And guess what? Your plants feel it too. But don't worry! With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your green friends thriving through the darker months instead of just barely surviving.

Less Light? Move Them Closer

Those shorter days mean less light for your plants, even if they're sitting in the same spot they loved all summer. The solution? Scoot them closer to windows, preferably south-facing ones. Don't be afraid to rearrange—think of it as redecorating with a purpose! If you're really struggling with light, a simple grow light can work wonders.

Ease Up on the Watering

Here's the thing: most houseplants go into a semi-dormant state during winter. They're basically taking a long nap, which means they need way less water. That weekly watering schedule from summer? Cut it back. Stick your finger in the soil before watering—if it's still moist an inch down, wait a few more days. Overwatering in winter is one of the fastest ways to end up with root rot.

Humidity Is Your Friend

Cranking up the heat feels amazing for us, but it turns our homes into deserts for tropical plants. If you notice crispy leaf tips or browning edges, your plants are basically saying "I'm parched!" Group plants together to create a humidity huddle, mist them occasionally, or set them on pebble trays filled with water. A small humidifier near your plant collection is honestly a game-changer.

Hold Off on the Fertilizer

Remember how your plants are napping? They're not actively growing, which means they don't need food right now. Skip the fertilizer from late fall through early spring. Feeding dormant plants is like forcing someone to eat a five-course meal right after they wake up—it's just too much.

Watch Out for Drafts

Cold drafts from windows and doors, or hot blasts from heating vents, can stress plants out big time. Keep them away from these temperature extremes. A consistent, moderate temperature is what they're after—no surprises!

Don't Panic About Dropped Leaves

A few dropped leaves here and there? Totally normal. Your plants are just adjusting to the season. Unless you're seeing dramatic yellowing or half your plant falling apart, it's probably fine. Plants are tougher than we give them credit for.

The bottom line: Winter plant care is all about doing less—less water, less fertilizer, less fussing. Your plants are resilient, and with these simple tweaks, they'll emerge in spring ready to put out fresh growth.

Need more tips to keep your indoor jungle thriving year-round? Head to homeplantwellness.com for seasonal care guides, troubleshooting advice, and everything you need to become a confident plant parent!