Winter care for indoor plants
As the seasons change, so too should your care for your indoor plants. As the sun retreats for winter, your plants will slow and stop their growth. Here are some tips to help look after your indoor greenery in the colder months.
WATERING
Watering, the most common way of killing your beloved houseplant. As the temperature drops and hours of sunlight fade, so should your zealousness for watering! We recommend only watering when the soil is dry (other than ferns).
Check the moisture by sticking your finger in a couple of centimetres. If the soil sticks, your plant has enough moisture around its roots and doesn’t need a water. When you do water, make sure the water drains out the bottom before putting it back into your cover pot or on your saucer – and ALWAYS have your plant in a pot with drainage holes!
The only exception to this rule is terrariums – as you can see the level of water through the glass, and they should filter the water with an activated charcoal layer.
LIGHT
Diminishing light levels will affect any indoor plant in winter. To help give your plants more natural light, move them closer to a window out of direct sunlight, and wash your windows if they are looking a bit dirty. Washing off dust from the leaves will also help your leafy friend absorb more energy from natural light.
TEMPERATURE
Most indoor plants originate from subtropical, to tropical areas. Because of this, they are happy in a room that reaches 20 ̊C. Anything lower than
10 ̊C and your tropical house plants may run into trouble. To combat temperature shock, keep your plants away from varying heat sources such a heaters and places where drafts occur.
POTTING AND FEEDING
Because plants slow and stop their growth until spring, it is best to wait until it warms up to repot your plants.
This is because once re-potted, your plants can quickly re-establish themselves in spring when they are starting to grow and take in enough nutrients again to settle themselves.
The recommended time to feed indoor plants is between spring and early autumn. However, you can feed your indoor plants with a diluted feed at half strength if your plants are in desperate need of nutrients.
If you are looking at propagating plants, you will have much higher success of them rooting outside of the winter months.
For expert advice on caring for your indoor plants, talk to a Kings Plant Barn Plant Doctor.
Send your plant questions to us online at www.plantdoctor.co.nz.