The leaves on the trees are littering the ground and the frost is gathering on windows which can only mean one thing, winter has arrived. As we put on our warmest socks and crank the heating up, it can be easy to forget the impact that this can have on our indoor houseplants.
There is nothing to panic about though, as there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure that your houseplants continue to thrive as you get cosy for winter.
How to get your light level right?
Do you find yourself feeling gloomy when you hear your alarm go off and you know that it’s dark outside? Or maybe you wind up checking the time when you leave work and it’s already dark, and you wonder where the daylight went. Our plants can feel this way too!
Houseplants especially only receive the light that you provide them with, so make sure that you’ve put them in the place where the most light can reach them.
If you find yourself limited as to where you can put your plants, getting a plant stand is a brilliant solution. The adjustable plant stand by Ayria makes it possible to increase the amount of light that your plants get and allows you to make the most out of your space.
Which temperature is the best for my plants?
If you find yourself irritated at the draught coming through under your doors, then you and your plant most likely have this in common. Houseplants are not a fan of changing temperatures, especially not rapid ones.
Make sure your plants are kept away from open windows or draughty doors, or radiators that turn off and on sporadically. It can be a big adjustment for your plants to adapt to and can cause them stress.
The majority of indoor plants thrive well in temperatures between 12 degrees and 18 degrees. They like to be kept warm in the winter, just like you!
It is always worth checking based on your specific plant to make sure that your home environment is perfect for both you and your houseplant.
Should I stick to the same watering schedule?
During the summer your houseplants will be thriving on the extra light, food, and water. However, this can be a bit much for your plants in the winter. This is because nurturing them to grow too much in winter will put extra strain on the plants and can do them more damage than good.
The great thing about this is it means less work for you too! Most houseplants will only need watering every other week.
Make sure you research how much water your plant type needs. Some plants like succulents may only need water every three weeks and plants like cacti won’t need watering at all.
It may feel like you are dehydrating your plant at first because it is a stark change in routine, but remember that overwatering your plants can cause the roots to rot.
If you’re concerned about whether to water your plant or not, then you can always test the soil. Insert your finger into the soil, about an inch or two deep, and if it is dry then it is best to give your plant some water.
