Preparing Your Plants for Winter: Essential Tips
Winter is coming, and it’s not just your sweaters and blankets that need dusting off—your plants need some love too! When the temperatures drop and daylight becomes scarce, your leafy friends face a season of challenges. But don’t worry! With a few easy adjustments, you can help your plants survive—and even thrive—through the colder months.
Let’s dig into some essential winter plant care tips to keep your green companions happy and healthy until spring.
Adjust Your Watering Routine
One of the biggest mistakes plant parents make in winter is overwatering. Plants grow more slowly during the colder months, meaning they need less water.
What to do:
- Check the soil before watering. Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time for a drink. If it’s still moist, hold off.
- Be mindful of plants in cooler rooms or near windows, as the soil will take longer to dry out in lower temperatures.
Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking your plants. Nobody likes an icy splash in the middle of winter!
Maximize Light Exposure
Winter days are shorter and darker, which can leave your plants craving light. Even low-light-tolerant plants might struggle with less sunshine.
What to do:
- Move plants closer to windows to maximize exposure to natural light. South- and west-facing windows are ideal.
- Rotate (most) plants weekly to ensure all sides receive light evenly.
- Consider investing in grow lights if natural light is limited in your home. These can be lifesavers for plants like Monsteras, Fiddle Leaf Figs, or any light-loving tropicals.
Mind the Temperature
Most indoor plants are tropical and prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Winter drafts, cold windows, and fluctuating indoor heating can stress them out.
What to do:
- Keep plants away from cold drafts, like near windows or exterior doors.
- Avoid placing plants near heating vents or radiators, as the dry, hot air can damage their foliage.
- If a plant must be near a drafty window, consider adding insulation like thermal curtains or moving it a few inches back.
Boost Humidity Levels
Indoor air tends to get dry in winter, thanks to heaters running around the clock. Many plants, especially tropical ones, struggle with low humidity.
What to do:
- Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air around your plants moist. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60%.
- Place a shallow tray of water and pebbles under your plants (without letting the pots sit directly in the water) to create a localized humidity boost.
Pro Tip: Mist plants occasionally, but avoid overdoing it. Some plants, like succulents, don’t appreciate extra moisture on their leaves.
Pause on Fertilizing
Winter is a rest period for most plants, and they don’t need as much food during their dormancy. Fertilizing them now can lead to nutrient buildup and harm their roots.
What to do:
- Hold off on fertilizing until spring when growth picks up again.
- If you absolutely must fertilize, dilute the solution to half or quarter strength to avoid overfeeding.
Keep an Eye on Pests
Winter might feel like a quiet time for pests, but the dry indoor environment can actually encourage infestations. Common culprits include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
What to do:
- Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as webbing, sticky residue, or tiny bugs.
- Isolate any affected plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
- Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Check out our previous blog on pest identification and elimination here.
Pro Tip: A quick shower for your plants can wash away many pests. Use lukewarm water and make sure to dry the leaves afterward.
Add Cold Weather Protection for Shipping Plants
If you’re ordering plants online during winter, it’s essential to ensure they’re shipped with adequate protection from freezing temperatures. At Chic Plant Boutique, we offer cold-weather protection to keep your plants safe during transit.
What to do:
- Add a cold weather shipping kit at checkout.
- Unpack your plants immediately upon arrival to let them acclimate to indoor temperatures.
Prune and Clean Your Plants
Winter is the perfect time to give your plants a little TLC. Trimming dead leaves and cleaning their foliage helps them stay healthy during the slower-growing season.
What to do:
- Use sharp, clean scissors to prune yellowing or damaged leaves. (Make sure you sanitize those pruners first!)
- Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust that can block sunlight.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as plants won’t grow back quickly during winter dormancy.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Plants have their ways of telling you when something’s off. Drooping leaves, yellowing foliage, or slowed growth could mean they’re not adjusting well to winter conditions.
What to do:
- Check your watering routine, light levels, and humidity if you notice issues.
- Adjust their environment gradually—plants need time to adapt to changes.
Give Them a Cozy Spot
Winter is tough on everyone, including your plants! Create a cozy, stable environment that mimics their natural habitat as closely as possible. Whether that means investing in a grow light, rearranging your plant shelf, or boosting humidity, small changes can make a big difference.
Winter Care Made Easy
Preparing your plants for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By tweaking your care routine and paying attention to their needs, you’ll help your green friends thrive through the colder months. Come spring, they’ll be ready to grow and flourish like never before.
At Chic Plant Boutique, we’re here to help with all your plant care needs. From cold-weather shipping kits to beginner-friendly plants and accessories, we’ve got you covered. Explore our collection today and keep your plants happy all winter long!