When the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, your indoor plants enter a new phase — one that calls for gentler care and seasonal adjustments. While some houseplants go semi-dormant during winter, others still need attention to stay healthy through the colder, darker months.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know to care for your plants during winter — from adjusting watering habits to managing light, humidity, temperature, and more.
What Happens to Plants in Winter?
Winter brings three major changes for indoor plants:
- Less sunlight: Shorter days and lower sun angles reduce the amount of light plants receive.
- Dry air: Heaters reduce humidity indoors, which many tropical plants need.
- Dormancy: Some plants slow their growth or go completely dormant to conserve energy.
That’s why winter care is all about slowing down, staying observant, and protecting your plants from environmental stress.
1. Adjust Your Watering Routine
This is the #1 mistake most plant parents make in winter — continuing to water like it’s summer.
Why it matters:
- With slower growth, plants use less water.
- Soil stays wet longer due to lower evaporation.
- Overwatering leads to root rot, mold, and yellowing leaves.
Winter watering tips:
- Always check the soil first: only water when the top 1–2 inches are dry.
- Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking roots.
- For succulents and cacti, water even less frequently — maybe once a month.
- Reduce watering for dormant plants like caladiums or alocasias.
Pro Tip: Lift the pot — if it feels heavy, the soil is likely still moist.
2. Maximize Available Light
Less light = slower growth. But for some light-loving plants, too little light can cause leggy stems, pale leaves, or total dormancy.
How to help:
- Move plants closer to windows, ideally south- or west-facing.
- Clean your windows to let in as much sunlight as possible.
- Rotate pots weekly for even growth.
- For especially dark rooms or light-hungry plants, use a grow light for a few hours a day.
Great winter survivors:
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
- Philodendron
These plants handle low light better than others — perfect for cloudy winter days.
3. Manage Indoor Temperature
Plants prefer consistency — and winter often brings temperature swings that can cause stress.
Winter temperature tips:
- Keep rooms between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Avoid cold drafts near windows, doors, or AC vents.
- Don’t place plants directly on cold floors or windowsills — roots are sensitive!
- Keep plants away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces.
If your plant’s leaves are dropping, curling, or browning at the edges, it may be reacting to cold stress or dry heat.
4. Maintain Humidity Indoors
Winter heating systems often reduce indoor humidity levels below 30%, which is too low for most tropical houseplants.
How to increase humidity:
- Use a humidifier near plant clusters.
- Place pots on pebble trays filled with water (but not sitting in water).
- Group plants together to create a natural microclimate.
- Mist leaves in the morning for a temporary boost — avoid misting in the evening.
Signs of low humidity:
- Brown tips on leaves
- Leaf drop
- Crisp edges
- Wilting despite moist soil
5. Hold Off on Fertilizing
Most houseplants go into rest mode during winter. That means they aren’t actively growing — and don’t need extra nutrients.
Winter fertilizing rules:
- Stop or reduce feeding from late fall through early spring.
- Resume in spring, when new growth appears.
- If your plant is still actively growing (e.g., under grow lights), fertilize once a month at half strength.
Fertilizing during dormancy can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage roots.
6. Avoid Repotting — Unless It’s Urgent
Winter is not the best time to repot. Roots are slower to recover and may become stressed.
Repot only if:
- The pot is broken
- You discover pests or disease in the soil
- The plant is severely root-bound and wilting
If it can wait until spring, hold off. Your plant will be much happier when it’s in an active growing phase.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Pests
While pests are more active in warm months, dry indoor air in winter can still lead to outbreaks of:
- Spider mites (tiny white or red dots under leaves)
- Fungus gnats (tiny flies around soil)
- Mealybugs (white cottony spots)
Pest prevention tips:
- Inspect plants weekly
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth
- Treat infestations early with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a shower rinse
- Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings to discourage gnats
8. Give Plants a Rest — And Yourself Too
Don’t worry if your plants look a little less lively in winter. Some yellowing, leaf drop, or slowed growth is normal. Think of it as a seasonal reset.
Instead of pushing for lush, fast growth, let your plants rest, reset, and recharge — just like we do.
Winter Plant Care Is All About Balance
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your plant’s glory. With just a few simple changes — watering less, moving closer to the light, boosting humidity, and being patient — your plants can coast through the colder months and burst back to life in spring.
Use this time to enjoy the slower pace of indoor gardening. Curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and the peaceful presence of your green companions.