Fall is just around the corner! This article outlines how you can prepare as a plant parent.
Bring ‘em Inside
Almost all houseplants are not frost tolerant, which means they will not survive outdoors in the winter (for us here in the Northern hemisphere). It simply gets too cold. In order to keep them alive, we need to move them inside before the first frost.
Generally speaking, for a houseplant to survive a winter in the Northern hemisphere, it needs to be in an environment that is at least 50 degrees F consistently. However, we don’t like to let it get down below 69 degrees F in the shop or at our homes, as our plants appreciate being warm at all times.
Before you bring your plants in for the winter, you’ll want to make sure to rid them on any pests. If you have a porch or deck, use it to “quarantine” the plants you are taking inside for 2 weeks, applying an insecticide three times in the two weeks before you move them inside. We prefer to use neem oil for an insecticide, as it kills insects, fungus and mites. It is also safe for pets and kids. To kill any pests that might be in the soil, mix a capful of hydrogen peroxide into your watering can and water as normal. (Hint: you can also do this throughout the winter in your watering routine, as a preventative measure.)
Once you’re through the “quarantine” period and have applied insecticide correctly, you’ll be ready to bring your plants indoors. It’s a good rule of thumb to inspect each plant one last time for any signs of pest or fungus before moving them in - once an infestation is in the house, it’s very difficult to get rid of and can spread easily to your other plants.
During the colder months, while your plants are happy and warm in your home, you will need to alter your watering schedule. During the winter, many plants enter a state of dormancy. This means that they are neither actively growing nor dead. Many plant parents often worry their plants die in the winter because they don’t produce new leaves or get bigger. Not the case! We’ll touch on this more in the next section.
Because your plants are not actively growing in the winter, they need a lot less water. A good rule of thumb for winter watering it to check the soil with your finger. If the soil is dry up to the first knuckle on your finger, give it some water. If it’s not, it doesn’t need water. Our routine is to check plants once a week and if they need water, we give it to them.
You can cease feeding your plants during the winter as well. Again, because they are not actively growing they have no place or reason to “digest” extra food. Soil supplements can be helpful, however, with such products as Good Dirt’s Soil Biotics.
Some plants, especially those from tropical rainforests, will need some help with humidity in the winter. The heat we use to warm our homes tends to have a drying effect on the atmosphere. Investing in a small humidifier to keep your plants happy and humid is a good idea - the humidifier also helps you avoid dry skin in the winter. If you don’t want to spend any money, you can easily make a humidity tray for your plants that need one.
Let’s face it: most of us didn’t become plant parents for the winter season. It’s a time of rest and recuperation for our plants. This startles many plant parents into thinking their plants are dying. That’s not usually the case. Because it is not the active growing season here are some things you may expect from your plants that are no cause for alarm.
Foliage (leaves) drop
Does not bloom
Slow or no growth
Lower leaves yellow and wilt
Remember, winter is the time your plants want to rest, just like they would in their natural habitats. If you are worried something’s really wrong, don’t hesitate to snap a pic and send it our way via Instagram with your question. We’re happy to help!
A note on light…
Winter is also a time of less light, much to many of our chagrins. Plants have adjusted to the change in light as well, by resting (i.e. not actively growing) during the winter. In order for a plant to maintain active growth, it must get 12-16 hours of light (natural or artificial) a day. That’s just not a thing in December in North Carolina. And that’s ok for most plants.
For some plant parents, artificial light is a must during the winter. We are more middle of the road. Artificial light in the winter means we can supplement the duration and intensity of light to maintain active growth for some species, like succulents and cacti, but inevitably we want to give all houseplants a natural break for at least a month each year.