Houseplants have a lot to do inside our homes, especially during the winter months. Turning on the central heat, lighting a fire, and reducing the humidity can dry out plants, which can cause a host of problems. Fluctuations in temperature inside the home can also contribute to how well indoor plants thrive in the winter months.
With houseplants at the forefront of people’s minds as we go in and out of our gardens, Garden Gazebo Specialist Samantha Richards from The Gazeboshop shares the best ways to care for houseplants this winter, including what to do in winter. Also includes “critical checks”.
She said: “Winter is coming which means the nights are coming and the temperature is going to drop.
“As the seasons change, so should you care for your houseplants.”
The following five tips should ensure that houseplants thrive throughout the colder months, says Samantha.
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“During colder months watering is needed every few weeks when the top inch of soil is dry.”
3. Move plants near windows
Lack of light is one of the biggest problems when it comes to winter houseplant care. Darker, shorter days often mean that houseplants don’t get the light they need for photosynthesis.
Samantha explained: “During the winter we all know that it gets light later and dark earlier. This means there is much less sunlight during the day.
“Plants need light for the photosynthesis that allows them to grow and bloom. Move all of your houseplants as close to your window as possible to maximize light throughout the winter.”
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“You should keep the curtains open so that the temperature around the plant is as warm as possible.”
clean up the leaves
It’s not just shelves, knick-knacks and books that collect dust, house plants do too. In the winter months, dusting them regularly should be a priority.
Samantha said: “Things in your home collect dust, and a plant is no different. Dust on your plant’s leaves can reduce the amount of light the plant receives which ultimately limits photosynthesis.
“Use a damp cloth to wipe the dust off the leaves from time to time. So you don’t forget, try to make a habit of doing it whenever you are cleaning your house.”