Indoor plants add life, beauty, and clean air to our homes. When they are healthy, they look amazing, but sadly, many indoor plants die.
In order to keep indoor plants healthy, consistent care, attention are required, especially in winter.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips to keep your indoor plants thriving throughout the year, with a special focus on winter care using tools like heat mats and proper light management.
General Indoor Plant Care Tips
Choose the Right Plants
How to choose the right indoor plants? This is key, you must select the right plant so that you can care well to keep them alive and fresh for a long time.
Start by selecting indoor-friendly plants like pothos, snake plants, peace lilies, or succulents. These varieties generally tolerate lower light and are easier to maintain.
Most indoor plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, but there are many options for spaces with low or moderate light as well.
It’s also important to match the plant to your lifestyle. If you are a beginner or have a busy schedule, opt for low-maintenance varieties like ZZ plants or peace lilies that don’t require frequent watering. For more advanced gardeners or those wanting a challenge, plants like calatheas or orchids may be rewarding choices, but need a bit more attention.
Provide Adequate Light
Light is one of the most important factors for healthy plant growth. Place your plants near natural light sources like windows.
For darker spaces, consider using grow lights to supplement sunlight, especially during shorter winter days.
Water Properly
Overwatering is a common issue. Make sure pots have proper drainage and water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Remember, plants drink less in winter, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Humidity Matters
Indoor environments can be dry, especially with heaters running in winter. Grouping plants together, misting, or using a humidity tray can help maintain adequate moisture in the air.
Feed Moderately
Fertilise during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce feeding during the winter months when plant growth naturally slows down.
Winter Indoor Plant Care Tips
Winter presents unique challenges for indoor plants. Cold drafts, low light, and dry air can all stress your greenery. Here’s how to manage it:
Use Heat Mats for Seedlings and Delicate Plants
Heat mats are a fantastic solution during colder months. They provide gentle, consistent warmth to the root zone, which promotes healthy growth, especially for seedlings or tropical indoor plants. Place the mat under your pots or propagation trays to maintain optimal temperature.
At Sage Horticultural, you’ll find a range of quality heat mats ideal for indoor plant care and seed starting during the winter season.
Avoid Cold Drafts
Keep plants away from cold windows, entrances, or air conditioning vents. Sudden temperature drops can shock or kill sensitive plants.
Maximise Light Exposure
With limited daylight, move your plants closer to bright windows or supplement with LED grow lights to maintain healthy photosynthesis.
Reduce Watering
As growth slows in winter, your plants require less water. Always check soil moisture levels before watering to prevent root rot.
Dust the Leaves
Dust buildup can block sunlight from reaching leaves. Gently wipe your plant’s leaves with a soft, damp cloth to keep them breathing and photosynthesising efficiently.