As the temperature begins to dip outside, the heaters come on inside, this can have a significant effect on the health of your houseplants. Additional sources of heat like radiators and heaters really can really leave the air lacking humidity and thus dry out the soil and contribute to a range of other plan problems. We also tend to assume plants need more water during the next few cold months but in fact, ‘overwatering’ is a common issue and causes plants to die…essentially we are fussy plant parents and need to take a step back as our plants know what they are doing, we just need to support their growth.
Find a new home
Often if plants are on windowsills and there’s a heater directly beside the windowsill it may cause the soil to rapidly dry out which will cause the plant to die. I would suggest re-housing your plants for the winter away from the heater in areas not directly above the house radiators.
Check your soil before watering is an important rule to keep plants from being overwatered.; Stick your finger into the soil – if it’s moist it doesn’t need watering, if you have a spray can bottle, you could give it a little spray and wipe down any dusty leaves, Rubber plants can get really dusty.
Introduce moisture into the air
A humidifier is beneficial for plants and as well as us especially during winter as radiators and heators can suck the air of moisture. If you have quite a few plants I would recommend getting a humidifier to help with air quality and moisture. Too much dry air at home can also contribute to worsening a cold, the flu, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinusitis, allergies, and dry mouth. You can also add bowls of water in your home near heaters, I like to add rose petals and essentials oils when I can.
Show them the light
As the days are short, plants aren’t exposed to as much sunlight, so ensure that they are placed in areas in the home that get the first daybreak – especially mid-winter. Plants are a bit like us they also love sunlight! On that note, make sure you’re also getting enough sunlight.
Prune your plants
Before getting into the winter month I would suggest pruning all plants and don’t be scared to cut away rogue branches, discoloured leaves, your plant will grow – in fact, you’re helping it. Remember, plants often grow slower during the winter months so don’t be alarmed if your plant seems to be producing less new leaves.
Re-pot your plants*
Re-pot your plants at the beginning of winter if the soil already feels crumbly and dry, and make sure all new pots have adequate drainage – use the right soil for your plants too or you may face issues. I would avoid re-plotting plants that look healthy.
Grouping plants helps them benefit from one another as moisture released from one plant can be absorbed by other surrounding plants, some go as far as to pot similar plants together like succulents, they also make a beautiful aesthetic addition to your home!
Co-founder of Amaliah amongst many other roles. Selina is passionate about empowering those around her and just trying to be a better person. She loves looking after plants and a good cuppa because motherhood and running Amaliah.com is not for the faint hearted. She is also Co-founder to Aishah and Eesa and currently a one digit mother, Alhamdulilah. You will find her in the local charity shop, garden centre or park with her kids. Have a listen to the Amaliah Voices podcast. Link in bio peeps. To join the Amaliah Writer Community email me at [email protected]