Winter Survival Guide For Your Houseplants

Winter is coming but don't let your beloved houseplants suffer. Whilst they have thrived in our homes over the spring and summer months, winter can be a tough time for indoor plants, but with a few simple steps, you can keep them thriving. Join us as we explore essential care tips, from watering schedules to ideal lighting conditions. The British Garden Centres team has put together a handy guide to keep your houseplants happy.

Light

As winter draws near and daylight hours shorten, your houseplants may start to feel the pinch in the darker evenings. To keep them thriving, it's essential to maximise their exposure to natural light. Move them closer to windows or under skylights but be mindful of cold drafts and direct contact with cold glass as temperatures drop.

A gentle dusting of their leaves will also help them absorb more light. Don't forget to rotate your plants regularly to ensure even growth and sunlight exposure on windowsills over the winter months.

Temperature

As winter sets in, it's important to maintain a comfortable temperature for your houseplants. While they generally prefer a range of 12-18°C, sudden temperature fluctuations can stress them out. Avoid turning your heating up too high, as this can dry out the soil and leaves.

It's best to keep your plants away from direct heat sources like radiators. If you must place them near a radiator, ensure they're on a wide shelf or window sill to prevent their leaves from wilting. Remember to check the soil moisture regularly to avoid over or under-watering and protect your plants from cold drafts by keeping them away from windows and doors.

Watering and feeding

Overwatering is a common mistake during the winter months. Droopy, yellowing leaves are often a sign of too much water. Most houseplants don't require frequent watering in winter, doing it once a week should be sufficient, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Succulents and cacti, adapted to arid conditions, need even less water, typically requiring a top-up only once a month.

If your home's air is particularly dry, consider grouping your plants to create a more humid microclimate. You can also mist them with water or relocate them to naturally humid areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

As for feeding the winter and darker conditions slow down plant growth, reducing their nutrient needs so you will not require any fertiliser so you can relax and enjoy the festive season and new year!

Repotting

Winter is also a good time to repot your houseplants, especially if they've outgrown their current containers. While repotting, take the opportunity to inspect the roots and remove any that are rotten. Repot your plants in clean pots filled with fresh, sterile potting soil. A pot size increase of about 2 inches should provide ample room for your plants to grow

Pests and diseases

Regularly inspecting your plants for pests is essential for maintaining their health throughout winter. Look out for common pests such as aphids, scale insects, thrips, and mealybugs, as they can quickly multiply and cause damage to your plant babies.

Also, we recommend you check and remove any dead or yellowing foliage you find. Dead leaves can harbour diseases, contributing to a decline in your plants’ health so make sure you keep on top of this to see your houseplants into the new year and beyond.

As we bid farewell to the vibrant colours of autumn and embrace the quieter tones of winter, let's not forget our indoor houseplants. With a bit of care and attention and following our guide, your houseplants can continue to flourish, bringing a touch of greenery and life to your home throughout the winter months.