The Ultimate 6-Step Guide to Keeping Your Houseplants Alive and Thriving Through Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for houseplants. As the days grow shorter, temperatures drop, and indoor heating dries out the air, our green companions often struggle to adapt. Over the years, I’ve learned that helping houseplants survive—and even thrive—during the colder months requires a bit of extra care and attention. With the right strategies, you can ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant all winter long.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true six-step process for winter houseplant care. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, these tips will help you navigate the seasonal changes with confidence. Let’s get started!

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine

One of the biggest mistakes people make in winter is overwatering their houseplants. During this season, most plants enter a dormant phase, meaning they grow more slowly and require less water.

How to Water Wisely

Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, always check the top inch or two of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water; if not, wait a few more days.
Reduce Frequency: In winter, I typically water my plants about half as often as I do in summer. For example, a plant that needs weekly watering in summer might only need it every two weeks in winter.
Use Room-Temperature Water: Cold water can shock the roots, so let tap water sit out overnight to reach room temperature.

I’ve found that paying close attention to each plant’s individual needs makes a huge difference. Some plants, like succulents, need even less water in winter, while others, like ferns, may still require consistent moisture.

2. Boost Humidity Levels

Indoor heating systems are notorious for drying out the air, which can spell trouble for tropical houseplants that crave humidity. Dry air can lead to crispy leaf edges, browning tips, and overall stress.

Ways to Increase Humidity

Group Plants Together: Placing plants near each other creates a microclimate where they release moisture into the air through transpiration.
Use a Humidifier: This is the most effective way to maintain consistent humidity levels. I run a humidifier in my living room during winter, and my plants love it.
Mist Sparingly: While misting can provide temporary relief, it’s not a long-term solution. Over-misting can also encourage fungal diseases, so use this method cautiously.
Pebble Trays: Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, then place your pots on top (ensuring the bottom of the pot isn’t submerged). As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.

By keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, you’ll create an environment where your plants can thrive.

3. Optimize Lighting Conditions

With shorter daylight hours and weaker sunlight in winter, many houseplants don’t receive enough light to sustain healthy growth. This is especially true for plants that prefer bright, indirect light.

Maximizing Light Exposure

Move Plants Closer to Windows: Relocate your plants to brighter spots, such as south- or west-facing windows. Just be mindful of drafts and cold glass surfaces.
Rotate Regularly: Turn your pots every week or so to ensure even light exposure and prevent lopsided growth.
Supplement with Grow Lights: If natural light is scarce, consider investing in grow lights. I use LED grow lights for my low-light plants, and they’ve made a world of difference.

Remember, not all plants need intense light. Shade-tolerant varieties like pothos and snake plants can handle lower light levels, but even they benefit from a bit of extra brightness in winter.

4. Protect Against Temperature Fluctuations

Houseplants are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, which are common in winter due to drafts, heaters, and poorly insulated windows.

Tips for Temperature Control

Avoid Drafty Areas: Keep plants away from doors, windows, and vents where cold drafts or blasts of hot air can harm them.
Monitor Nighttime Temperatures: Most houseplants prefer nighttime temperatures above 55°F (13°C). If your home gets cooler than this, consider relocating sensitive plants to warmer areas.
Don’t Place Near Heat Sources: Radiators, fireplaces, and space heaters can dry out plants quickly and damage their foliage.

By maintaining stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C), you’ll create a comfortable environment for your plants.

5. Hold Off on Fertilizing

During winter, most houseplants slow down their growth significantly. Feeding them during this period can lead to fertilizer buildup in the soil, which may harm their roots.

When to Stop Fertilizing

Pause Regular Feedings: From late fall to early spring, I stop fertilizing my plants altogether. They simply don’t need the nutrients when they’re not actively growing.
Resume in Spring: Once you notice new growth appearing (usually in March or April), gradually reintroduce a diluted liquid fertilizer.

This break gives your plants a chance to rest and recover before the busy growing season begins again.

6. Inspect for Pests and Diseases

Winter is prime time for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats, which thrive in dry indoor conditions. Catching infestations early is key to preventing widespread damage.

How to Stay Vigilant

Inspect Regularly: Check your plants weekly for signs of pests, such as webbing, sticky residue, or tiny insects.
Isolate Infested Plants: If you spot a problem, move the affected plant away from others to prevent spreading.
a mild soap-and-water solution or neem oil to treat infestations naturally.- Clean Leaves: Dust accumulates easily in winter, blocking light absorption. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy.

By staying proactive, you can nip pest problems in the bud and keep your plants looking their best.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean doom for your houseplants. By adjusting your care routine to meet their seasonal needs, you can help them not only survive but also thrive during the colder months. These six steps—adjusting watering, boosting humidity, optimizing lighting, protecting against temperature fluctuations, holding off on fertilizing, and inspecting for pests—are simple yet effective ways to support your plants year-round.

Through trial and error, I’ve come to see winter as an opportunity to deepen my connection with my plants. It’s a time to slow down, observe their subtle changes, and appreciate their resilience. So embrace the season, give your plants the care they need, and enjoy the beauty they bring to your home—even in the depthst!