Winter houseplant care

 Keeping your houseplants healthy and thriving during the winter months requires a few adjustments to your regular watering and fertilizing schedule. This time of year, houseplants aren’t growing as vigorously as they do in the spring and summer, which means they don’t need to be fed as often and their water needs are different. Houseplants will do best in the winter if you water them when they need it, rather than on a fixed schedule. A simple way to tell if your houseplants need water is to stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry about two inches down, it’s time to water. Water your plants with room temperature water. Plan ahead by filling your watering can twenty-fours in advance. This will bring the water to room temperature, which makes it easier for your houseplant to absorb. It’s important to make sure your houseplants have enough light. You may have to move your plants around the house during the winter in order to provide the best light situation or you can add supplemental grow lights. 

Feed your plants every two weeks with a houseplant fertilizer such Schultz Plant Food or ferti-lome 20-20-20. Supplement your regular fertilizer with kelp-based Superthrive. Superthrive's kelp and vitamin formula strengthens roots and improves leaf growth. Find a way to raise the humidity.  Houses are dry during the winter, which doesn't help your houseplants. One way to increase humidity is to group your houseplants together. This will help raise the humidity and make maintenance easier.  

Another simple way to increase humidity is to place your plants on a pebble tray. Make a pebble tray by spreading an even layer of small pebbles in a saucer or shallow pan and then add water. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around your plants. Be sure that the bottom of the pot doesn't sit in the water. Spraying the leaves of your plants with Leaf Shine will help deter insects and keep your plants cleaner. Doing these things will help your houseplants stay healthier and happier through the winter months.