Now that the weather’s getting cooler, my houseplants are beginning to protest a little – they know that they belong in the tropics, and they’re not too keen on spending their winters in an artificially heated climate. I can identify with that!

Try the following to help plants cope with the cold:

• Go Slow: Growth slows down in the winter, so stop fertilizing houseplants and reduce watering until spring growth resumes.
• Cold Damage: Low light plants in northern windows can get too cold. Move them to a sunny eastern or southern exposure until spring. On freezing nights, keep foliage from touching cold window glass.
• Boost Humidity: Everything seems a little dried out after the lush, humid summer. Even though you can reduce watering in the winter, a humidifier or pebble tray helps keep tropical plants from suffering in a dry, heated house.
• Heat damage: Move plants away from heat sources, including fireplaces and heating registers.

During the coldest part of winter, I often gather my houseplants into a makeshift “tropical paradise,” by grouping them in the sunniest window with a humidifier nearby and a closed door to hold in the sun’s warmth. It makes a nice getaway for me, too.

I also give my plants permission to draw in on themselves and dream away the winter. Something I plan to do as well!

Further Information

• Tips on Bringing Houseplants Indoors for the Winter (article)
• Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Houseplants (article)
• How to Water Houseplants (video)
• How to Repot Houseplants (article)

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