Garden & Home Team
Winter can be as hard on indoor plants as it is on outdoor plants. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your indoor plants alive and thriving as the temperatures dip.
How to keep your indoor plants alive during winter
Water: Not too much, not too little, just enough
You still need to water your plants during winter – just less than you usually would. Overwatering your plant could cause rot and invite pests, and under-watering will ensure a sure and slow death. Make sure you check the requirements for your individual plant, as there are certain plant species that still thrive on lots of water during winter, and some that need none!
ALSO SEE: Winter gardening guide
Adequate light
Make sure that your plants receive adequate light in winter to keep them going. Because the sun changes its position from summer to winter, you might find that your plants no longer get enough light, or get too much sun. Observe the sun’s movements and then move them closer to a windowsill or into a sunny spot.
Not feeling hot
While it is important to give your plants enough light, ensure that they are not exposed to drafts or extreme cold. Make sure that your floor plants aren’t standing on surfaces that are too cold. Certain plants are very sensitive to the cold.
Humidity
Winters in South Africa are dry for the most part (except in winter rainfall areas), and indoor heating also contributes to drying out the air in your home even more. Keep your plants happy by misting them with lukewarm water, placing them near (but not in) water that will evaporate during the day, or if you are very serious, you can even get a humidifier for your plant.
ALSO SEE: 4 Plants that’ll help you sleep
Don’t trust dust
Remember to dust the leaves of your indoor plants. Leaves don’t work the way they’re supposed to when dirt accumulates on them, and grime tends to build up on indoor plants.
Be wise, fertilise
It’s a good idea to keep on fertilising your plants in winter, but just a bit less than you would in summer. Your indoor plants still need nutrients but should not be overfed in winter.
Cut back
Winter is a good time to prune your house plants: The pruning encourages growth come springtime. Do it in late winter, cutting back any dead bits and overhanging parts or straggly bits (if you want to keep the shape compact).
Repot your indoor plants
Assess your plant’s growth situation: Some plants might need to be moved to larger pots. Remember to provide good, fertilised soil for your plant’s new home. Wait until late winter or early spring to repot.
ALSO SEE: How to care for indoor plants
