During the winter we can all feel a little flat – with the cold, short days, lack of warmth and light and just longing for spring to come. Well, it is no different for your houseplants. Plants are like people and as our needs change in the winter, so do our leafy friends.

To keep your houseplants in great shape during these cooler months, here are five tips you need to know.

Let your plants rest.

In the winter your houseplants fall into a dormant state. This is their way of resting and conserving energy. They must rest to survive the winter season. You won’t see much growth in your plants, but you may notice that they start to lose leaves. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Reduce watering.

We’re all guilty of overwatering our indoor plants during the cold months. When they are dormant, they aren’t growing as much and therefore need very little water. Only water when the soil is
dry. They might not need to be watered for a few weeks. Overwatering can lead to root rot, weak roots, and unwanted pests. So, err on the side of caution.

Reduce the temperature.

It’s winter so we’ll have our heating cranked up and log burners burning. This additional heat is a real turn-off for our houseplants who are more comfortable in temperatures between 12 – 18  degrees. Move houseplants to cooler rooms but away from draughts, open windows and cold windowsills.

Move to the light.

With the reduction in daylight, you need to maximise the light we do have and place your indoor plants near windows during the day. Remember to move them to a warmer spot when the temperature drops. Another tip to ensure they get even more sun rays is to wipe any dirt or dust off the leaves with a damp cloth.

Avoid feeding.

While plants are resting and not growing, they don’t need extra food and nutrients. Giving it to them can actually do more harm than good. Start feeding once spring has officially sprung and your plants have woken up.

Happy gardening!

Hartwell Nurseries,
Ford Road, Stone, Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire, HP17 8RZ
01296 747961
info@hartwellnurseries.co.uk
www.hartwellnurseries.co.uk