Did you know that indoor plants require some special care over the winter months? It’s true! But with just a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can keep them happy all season long.

While we adapt to the cold and dry Canadian winters by bundling in layers and cranking up the indoor heat, our houseplants also need special care to survive and thrive through these colder months. But there’s no need to worry—indoor winter plant care is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Just follow this guide to help ensure your plants thrive.

1. Maximize Daylight

During the winter, one of the biggest challenges for houseplants is the reduced daylight. Here are some ways you can help:

• Move your plants closer to windows that get the most sunlight during the day, usually south- or west-facing windows. Give your windows a good clean as well, to ensure as much light as possible gets through.
• Rotate your plants regularly so all sides get equal exposure.
• Consider supplementing with fluorescent or LED grow lights that mimic natural sunlight.

2. Don’t Overwater

One common mistake people make with houseplants during winter is overwatering. With less sunlight and cooler temperatures, plants just don’t need as much. Adjust your watering habits by:

• Checking the soil: Before watering, always check the soil by sticking your finger about an inch deep. If the top inch of soil is still moist, hold off on giving your plants a drink.
• Adjusting your schedule: You may find that your plants need water only every couple of weeks in the winter compared to more frequent watering in the summer. This is normal.
• Boosting the humidity: While the air outside may be freezing, the air inside our homes is often dry due to indoor heating. Consider placing a small humidifier near your plants or giving them a light misting once in a while.

3. Keep a Consistent Temperature

Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 18°C and 24°C during the day, with a slight drop at night. More extreme fluctuations in temperature, which are common even indoors over the winter, can be stressful for plants.

An easy way to avoid fluctuations is to help your plants avoid drafts and heaters. Place them away from cold drafts coming through windows or doors, as well as direct heat from radiators, fireplaces, or vents.

4. Reduce or Pause Fertilizer

Winter is a time when many houseplants go dormant and don’t actively grow. That means they also need less food. If you normally feed your plants during the spring and summer growing seasons, then reduce or stop fertilizing them in winter. Overfeeding can lead to fertilizer burn or force plants to grow unnaturally, weakening them in the long run.

5. Keep Up Regular Maintenance

While houseplants don’t grow as much in winter, they can still benefit from some light pruning and regular cleaning. Take the time to remove any dead or dying leaves to help your plant conserve energy and look its best. Wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth will also help prevent dust from accumulating and allow your plants to absorb as much light as possible.

By following these simple but important plant care tips, your houseplants will survive and even thrive through the winter and be ready to bounce back with vigour once warmer weather returns.