Winter can be tough on houseplants. Shorter days, lower light, dry indoor air, and cooler temperatures all slow plant growth and can stress even your toughest greenery. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your plants healthy – and even thriving – until spring.

Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips to help your houseplants make it through winter in great shape.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

Most houseplants grow more slowly in winter, which means they need less water. Over-watering is the number one cause of winter plant problems.

What to do: – Check soil moisture before watering – don’t rely on a schedule. – Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out for most plants. – Empty saucers after watering to prevent root rot.

Exception: Tropical plants with thin leaves may still need consistent moisture, just not soggy soil.

2. Maximize Available Light

With shorter days and weaker sunlight, many plants struggle to get enough light in winter.

What to do: – Move plants closer to windows, especially south- or west-facing ones. – Rotate plants every couple of weeks for even growth. – Clean dust off leaves so plants can absorb more light. – Consider a grow light for light-loving plants.

3. Increase Humidity

Indoor heating creates dry air that many houseplants – especially tropical varieties – don’t love.

What to do: – Group plants together to create a humid micro-climate. – Use a humidifier nearby. – Place plants on pebble trays filled with water (pots should sit above the water line).

Avoid misting as your main humidity solution – it’s short-lived and can encourage disease if overdone.

4. Watch the Temperature

Houseplants prefer stable temperatures, even in winter.

What to do: – Keep plants away from cold drafts, windows at night, and exterior doors. – Avoid placing plants near heat vents or radiators. – Most houseplants are happiest between 18–24°C (65–75°F).

5. Hold Off on Fertilizer

Since plants aren’t actively growing, fertilizing in winter can do more harm than good.

What to do: – Stop fertilizing most houseplants from late fall to early spring. – Resume feeding when you see new growth in spring.

6. Don’t Rush Re-potting

Winter is not the ideal time to re-pot unless absolutely necessary.

What to do: – Wait until spring when plants are actively growing. – Only re-pot in winter if a plant is severely root-bound or has drainage issues.

7. Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Dry winter conditions can invite pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale.

What to do: – Inspect leaves (especially undersides) regularly. – Wipe leaves with a damp cloth. – Isolate affected plants quickly and treat early.

8. Embrace a Little Imperfection

Some yellowing leaves or slower growth is normal in winter. Your plant isn’t failing – it’s resting.

What to do: – Remove dead or yellow leaves to keep plants tidy. – Be patient and avoid over-correcting.