How to Save Your Plants in Winter

As someone who has nurtured plants for over six decades, I can tell you there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your greenery thrive—even in the depths of winter. While the cold season can be challenging, a little love and some tried-and-true techniques can help your plants not just survive, but flourish. Let me share my lifetime of wisdom on how to care for your plants when the temperatures drop.

How to Save Your Plants in Winter?

1. Adjust Watering Habits
2. Increase Humidity
3. Provide Adequate Light
4. Protect from Cold Drafts
5. Prune and Clean
6. Fertilize Sparingly
7. Choose the Right Pot Location
8. Watch for Pests
9. Care for Outdoor Plants

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Adjust Watering Habits

Over the years, I’ve learned that plants need far less water in winter. Their growth slows, and overwatering is often the quickest way to harm them. Here’s what I do:

• Always check the soil by sticking my finger about an inch deep; if it’s dry, I water.
• Use lukewarm water to gently warm the roots—it’s like a cozy cup of tea for your plants!
  
  
  

2. Increase Humidity

Heating systems make indoor air terribly dry, and plants miss the moist air of summer. I’ve found a few simple tricks that work wonders:

• Place a shallow tray of water filled with pebbles near the plants. The evaporating water increases humidity naturally.
• Grouping plants together creates a little “plant community” that traps moisture.
• If it’s exceptionally dry, I turn on a humidifier.

3. Provide Adequate Light

The shorter days mean less light for our green friends, so we need to lend a hand:

• Move plants closer to sunny windows, but avoid exposing them to cold drafts.
• Rotate them regularly so every side gets its share of light.
• When natural light isn’t enough, I rely on grow lights—there are some wonderfully elegant options available now.

4. Protect from Cold Drafts

Plants are as sensitive to cold drafts as we are. Over the years, I’ve learned to:

• Use insulating curtains or seals to block drafts from windows.
• Keep plants away from doors or entryways.
• Elevate them off cold floors using stands, which also adds a decorative touch.

5. Prune and Clean

Winter is the perfect season for light maintenance. I use this time to:

• Snip away any yellowing or dead leaves to keep pests at bay.
• Gently dust leaves with a soft cloth so they can absorb light better.
• Skip heavy pruning since plants are resting this time of year.

6. Fertilize Sparingly

Plants don’t need much food in winter, so I’ve always followed the “less is more” rule:

• A diluted fertilizer every 6-8 weeks is plenty. Sometimes I skip feeding altogether until spring when growth picks up again.

7. Choose the Right Pot Location

Where you place your plants can make all the difference. Here’s my golden rule:

• Keep them in warm, draft-free spaces with good natural light.
• Avoid placing them near radiators or heat vents, as this can dry them out.

8. Watch for Pests

Winter can sometimes bring unwanted guests like spider mites and aphids. Over the years, I’ve learned to:

• Regularly inspect leaves and stems for signs of pests.
• Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.
• Quarantine any affected plants to stop the spread.

9. Care for Outdoor Plants

Outdoor plants need extra TLC in the winter. Here’s what I do:

• Apply a layer of mulch to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
• Use frost covers for sensitive plants on particularly cold nights.
• Bring potted plants indoors or to a sheltered space like a garage.

Final Thoughts

Winter care is all about patience and gentle nurturing. With small adjustments like controlling humidity, watering wisely, and protecting against cold drafts, your plants will repay you with their beauty and vitality come spring.

If you love creating a warm and inviting space for your plants, explore the Plant Accessories at Luxury Violet for elegant plant stands, pots, and more. Let’s keep the love for greenery alive, no matter the season!