The shorter days of daylight, shorten the growing process of many houseplants. Over the winter months houseplants will go into a semi dormant state and so they do not need the same care and attention as they did over the spring/summer when they were actively growing.

 

Because they are not growing as quickly, a plants water needs are reduced, as is the fertilizing schedule. Different types of plants have different water requirements. Generally you want to wait until the soil is dry. To check for dry soil, stick your finger in the soil and if the top few centimetres of soil is dry, it is time to give the plant a good thorough water. Always use room temperature water and drain out any excess water from the tray after 10-15 minutes so that the plant is not sitting in water for any length of time. Plants such as cacti and succulents who prefer dry soil may only need to be watered once a month.

 

The fertilizer schedule should be changed over the winter months. When the plant is actively growing it is fertilized monthly with an all purpose 20-20-20. Over the winter that would be too much fertilizer, and so it should be cut back to every 8-10 weeks, still using the 20-20-20.

 

Most houseplants are native to tropical growing conditions and prefer a high humidity. During the winter the air in most homes is dry, unless there is a humidifier. Humidity can be raised by placing plants together in groups. Also, placing plants on large water filled pebble trays will raise the humidity around plants. Pebble trays are very simple to make. Choose large saucers/trays that are larger then the pot size of the plant. Fill the tray with pebbles, rocks, or stone and then add enough water to the tray so that the water level is just below the top surface of the pebbles. Place plants on top of the pebbles. (If the water level is too high the plants roots will be sitting in water, which is not a good thing). The moisture from the pebble trays will rise up creating a mini climate around the plants. This is an easy and effective way of raising the humidity around houseplants.

 

Where plants are located may also change over the winter months. Keep plants away from cold drafts as well as heating vents. Plants that are near an outside door may have to be re-located. Also plants that are on window sills. The foliage should not touch cold windows during very cold weather.

 

Continue to check plants regularly for any pests or disease as you want to be able to catch any problem in the early stages. Red Spider, and Scale are two pests that tend to be more active over the winter months. To find red spider, look for very fine fine webbing on the foliage as the pest itself is very tiny and hard to see. Scales are tiny sap sucking insects that are found on the stems and leaves of a plant.

 

Don’t let dust accumulate on the plants foliage. Clean the foliage periodically with a soft cloth if the leaves are large or the plant can be placed in the shower. Cleaning the foliage not only makes them look more attractive but also helps keep plants healthy.