How to care for indoor plants in winter

[Noelle]

Winter can be challenging for indoor plants as the colder and drier air can cause them stress.

Follow the advice below to keep indoor plants healthy and looking great during the cooler months. 

Regulate the temperature

Most indoor plants are from tropical and sub-tropical climates. They thrive in warm, humid environments and will “sulk” if they’re exposed to cold conditions. However, if your home is too hot or the air too dry, your plants can develop dry leaves and brown tips. They can even become pale or translucent.

Set your room temperature to 19-21 degrees, depending on your personal comfort level. This range suits most indoor plants.

It usually isn’t necessary to run your heating 24 hours a day. Residual warmth from the previous evening and some sunlight should be sufficient to keep temperatures at an optimal level most of the day. Most indoor plants thrive between 19-21 degrees Celsius

You should also avoid placing pots on windowsills for warmth. Sunshine through glass windows may burn the leaves. Plus, on very cold days, the severe outdoor chill may lead to lower temperatures around the windowsill and affect your plants.

Maintain humidity

Moisture in the air is essential for healthy plant growth. Heaters tend to dry the air so it’s important to maintain humidity around plants when heating is in use. 

Below are some ways to deal with changes in humidity: 

• Move plants away from vents or ducts where they could be directly affected.
  
  
• Place pots in groups to retain humidity around the foliage. Evaporation from bowls or saucers of water set next to plants will keep the air moist.
  
  
• Spritz leaves with a fine mist two or three times a day.
  
  
• Exchange the water atomiser for Osmocote Mist+Feed for Indoor Plants every couple of weeks to give plants a nutritional boost.
  
  
• Do not stand pots directly into saucers of water because the potting mix may become too wet. Instead, add some pebbles to the saucer to keep the base of the pot clear of the water.
  
  
• Don’t move potted plants into the bathroom to get humidity from the shower. Bathrooms can be chilly, damp and poorly lit during the day, especially in winter.
  
  
• The kitchen may not be suitable for your plants either as it can be too warm for most plants. Fumes from cooking may also build up on leaves, clogging the pores.

If your home is too humid or warm over winter, you may also need to watch out for fungus gnat infestations. These small black flies tend to thrive under these conditions and can be extremely annoying and hard to eradicate. Spritz leaves with a fine mist two or three times a day

You can get great advice from How to prevent and get rid of fungus gnats by experienced Bunnings Workshop member and horticulturalist Adam Woodhams.

Improve air circulation

Although it’s not advisable to position plants close to heaters, gentle air movement around your plants is essential. Stagnant or still air may encourage mould and fungi on plants and potting mix.

When positioning your plants, make sure you allow some space between pots for better air circulation. The best locations for your indoor plants are areas where the light is good, the temperature is in the optimal range and there is some air movement.

Ensure plants receive adequate light

Plants need light to photosynthesise – to convert nutrients into sugars for growth and wellbeing. Without reasonable light, plants will become anaemic-looking and slow to grow. In winter, light levels can be quite dull depending on where you live, prevailing weather conditions and the number and aspect of your windows. 

While there are a few indoor plants that prefer medium to low light, most appreciate good to bright indirect light. Plants that need good light should be placed closer to brighter spots near windows. Never place plants in an area where they receive direct sunlight through glass windows. A net curtain between the glass and the plant is recommended. It will diffuse the sun’s rays and minimise the risk of leaf scorch. You may need to water only every couple of weeks during winter

How to water plants during winter

Over winter, water only when the top 5-8cm of potting mix feels dry. Use the “finger test” to determine when your plants need watering - push your index finger into the mix to the second knuckle. If the mix feels dry at the fingertip, then the plant needs watering.

You may need to water only every couple of weeks during cooler months, especially if the humidity is reasonably high.

How to keep plants clean

Dust and debris may collect on leaves of indoor plants, no matter how well you clean your home. It is surprising how quickly a thick layer may accumulate. This can have a major effect on how well plants are able to photosynthesise and absorb moisture and nutrients.

Here are some ways to keep plants clean during winter: Gently wipe leaves with a dampened soft cloth

• Take plants outside when it’s raining or give them a refreshing hose off.
  
  
• Gently wipe leaves with a dampened soft cloth. Don’t use detergents or “leaf shine” oils, as these can damage leaves. Don’t forget to do the undersides as well.
  
  

• Remember to wipe or wash the foliage at least once every three months to keep plants healthy.

More inspiration and advice for growing indoor plants

The Bunnings team has shared several guides related to growing indoor plants, including Tips to keeping your indoor plants alive and Best low-light indoor plants.

Have a look at 7 stylish plant stands and 6 ways to grow plants in an apartment for inspiring ways to grow your indoor plants. Bunnings Workshop members have also shared tips on How to choose the right soil for your plants and How to know when to repot your plants.

The Bunnings Workshop community is here to help if you need more help with growing indoor plants. Don’t hesitate to ask a question. 

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