Winter is hard on house plants. Days become shorter, which means plants get less light than they need, and cooler temperatures can affect indoor spaces. These conditions mean that many indoor plants grow very little, if at all, during the winter months.
slow growing or going sleep This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for your plants. They will begin to grow again as the days grow longer in the spring. But many of our favorite houseplants are tropical specimens that are accustomed to the hot, humid conditions of rainforests or jungles, and they can begin to suffer when temperatures consistently stay between 50°F and 60°F. Conditions in the 40°F range can damage foliage, while freezing temperatures will kill almost all of these tender tropical plants.
Exceptions include some species Cacti and Succulents Which can survive even in cold weather outside.
If you’re worried that cold indoor temperatures might harm your houseplants, try these strategies to keep them cozy and warm all winter long.
move plants away from drafts
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House plants require a light source, so window There’s a natural place to put them. This is especially true in winter when shorter days mean plants need as much bright light as they can get.
However, windows can let in cold air that can slow plant growth or even damage leaves in severe cases. If this sounds like your location, consider moving the plants a few feet away from windows to keep them out of the cold. You may also want to move plants away from frequently opened exterior doors.
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Seal gaps in windows and doors
Old, leaky windows can let in a lot of cold air. If your plants live in a room with windows like this, you may want to experiment covering windows with plastic wrap Or Sealing gaps with weather stripping,
Door openings or gaps under doors can also allow cold air in, which can affect your plants. Consider using door draft blockers or weather stripping to keep cold from coming in when doors are closed.
capture the warmth of the sun
If your plants are in a south- or west-facing room, you can harness the power of the sun to help keep them warm. As the sun shines through your windows, it will warm the air inside as well as provide the light your plants need.
Open curtains, blinds or blinds during daylight hours to let the sun in, then close them after dark to keep in the heat.
turn up the heat
It may seem obvious, but turning up the heat in your home by a few degrees will make the ambient temperature more comfortable for the people and plants living there. However, you’ll need to balance that benefit with higher heating bills.
A space heater This may seem an attractive option if your plants are concentrated in a small room that gets cold, but you’ll want to use best practices for operating a space heater safely. This involves plugging space heaters directly into the wall and not leaving them unattended, which can be difficult to achieve if you are not always in the location.
Install Grow Lights
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Light-hungry plants, such as succulents, dwarf citrus treesAnd some variegated varieties require light to thrive in long, dark winters. Grow lights also emit a small amount of heat, which can help keep plants warm in close proximity.
Be sure to grow in a bright location to avoid sunburned leaves. Place fluorescent grow lights 6 to 12 inches away from plants and LED grow lights 1 to 2 feet away from plants.
Use a heat mat designed for plants
Delicate indoor plants such as seedlings, cuttings and some tropical plants can benefit from the gentle warmth of a heat mat.
Avoid heating pads designed for therapeutic use. Instead, look for models that are made specifically for plants, as they are designed to be water resistant and provide mild heat that won’t damage the delicate roots.
Some models heat the plant’s soil between 10°F and 20°F above the air temperature, while others are programmable, letting you dial in the temperature more precisely.
Change plant care habits
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Ultimately, there’s only so much you can do to keep your houseplants warm in the winter without increasing your utility bills. However, good use Winter Care Practices Your houseplants may have a better chance of survival during the colder months.
Remember to avoid fertilizing, reduce watering, and put off any drastic pruning until you see new plant growth after the days lengthen in late winter.
If possible, avoid replanting or taking cuttings for propagation until spring, when the plants have come out of dormancy and you will have a better chance of success.
