INDOOR PLANT CARE
Great tips plus how to create new houseplants in winter
HOUSEPLANTS respond to the changing seasons in a similar way to their outdoor cousins. Most of them fall dormant as the light levels and temperatures drop, ceasing to grow or flower until warmer weather returns.
For others it is prime flowering time, which is why several varieties such as orchids, Streptocarpus, African violets and Cyclamen persicum make such delightful Christmas gifts. These will need nurturing through the winter months until they stop blooming, at which point you can stop feeding and watering and let them recharge their batteries.
All houseplants, whether they are flowering or not, will have similar care requirements throughout the winter months. They do best if they are placed somewhere with a stable temperature, out of the way of draughts and away from external doors.
Avoid placing them near radiators that can dry out the air. Many houseplants originate from warm and tropical countries and do best in a humid atmosphere, which also reduces the threat of certain pests such as glasshouse red spider mite.
Stand your plants on a bed of gravel that is kept constantly damp to boost humidity around the foliage. Regular spraying with water also helps keep the leaves healthy as long as there is good airflow, so the water doesn’t sit and attract fungal problems. You should, however, avoid spraying varieties with hairy leaves (such as African violets) as the water will sit and stain. Move plants to where they can benefit from as much natural light as possible, and wipe dust and pests off their leaves.
Deadhead where necessary, and remove dead and damaged foliage to prevent diseases and keep plants looking their best.
Placing plants on windowsills is fine during mild daylight hours, but never leave plants there at night as closed curtains can create a frost pocket.
Stop feeding plants unless flowering is taking place, and only replenish water when the compost is dry to the touch.
If you do find any pests, deal with them immediately – small infestations can be wiped off or squished between fingers, which is a preferable solution to using chemical sprays indoors.