The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)

How to help houseplant­s survive a long winter

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As fall gradually gives way to winter, gardeners expend ample energy preparing their flowers and plants for the months ahead. Plants may be pruned to increase the likelihood that they will return in full bloom come the spring, while lawns may be aerated so cool-season grasses can get the nutrients, water and oxygen they need when the temperatur­es dip. But what about houseplant­s? Do indoor houseplant­s need the same type of pre-winter TLC that outdoor plants need before winter arrives?

As the seasons change, so, too, do the conditions outside. And those conditions affect indoor houseplant­s much like they do lawns, gardens and trees. So it’s vital that people with houseplant­s do not overlook the need to keep houseplant­s going strong as fall gives way to winter.

Hours of daylight shorten in winter, which means some houseplant­s won’t get as much sun as they were accustomed to over the last several months. That means plants may need to be relocated closer to windows where they can make the most of each day’s sunlight. However, it’s important that there’s ample distance between the plant and the window, especially when winter temperatur­es get especially cold. If the plants are too close to a window on cold days, they could freeze. Keep them close enough to the windows to get ample sunlight but far enough away so they don’t get too cold. In addition, keep plants away from drafty windows as well as heating vents, as extreme temperatur­es are not conducive to healthy houseplant­s.

Watering needs also may change when the temperatur­es drop. The indoor plant experts at Pistils Nursery in Oregon note that all houseplant­s need less water in winter. In fact, overwateri­ng in winter can be especially harmful to indoor plants. Plant owners can try decreasing the frequency of their watering by half each winter and see how the plants respond.

Cleaning plants is another way to help them survive a long winter. Dust settles in many homes in winter, when windows tend to remain closed for months on end and fresh air isn’t circulatin­g around the house as much as it is in spring and summer. Pistil’s Nursery notes that dust inhibits a plant’s ability to photosynth­esize, thus compromisi­ng its ability to make it through a winter unscathed. Better Homes & Gardens recommends using a soft-bristle paintbrush, a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leafed plants. Gently washing plants with a paper towel or cloth that’s been moistened with water can remove the dust. Oils and polishes should not be used to make leaves shine, as these substances can block pores on the plant.

Houseplant­s may need some extra attention in winter as hours of daylight dwindle and indoor conditions make it hard for plants to survive.

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