Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Happy in Cold Weather

Ah, winter. The season of cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and the impending doom of every houseplant you own. As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, your leafy friends, who were thriving just a few weeks ago, suddenly look like they’re auditioning for a plant-based tragedy. But don’t start composing their eulogies just yet. With a little less love and a bit more neglect—yes, you read that right—you can help your houseplants survive the great indoors until spring.

It’s a common misconception that our green roommates need more coddling when it’s cold. We crank up the heat, move them around like furniture, and water them into oblivion. The result? A sad, soggy mess. The truth is that most houseplants enter a state of dormancy during winter. They’re basically taking a long nap, and the last thing they want is you waking them up with a cold shower and a plate of fertilizer. Here’s how to be the best (read: most hands-off) plant parent this winter.

Your Houseplants Aren’t Thirsty, Put the Watering Can Down

The number one killer of houseplants in winter isn’t the cold—it’s you and your good intentions. Plants get their energy from sunlight, and with less light comes less growth. Less growth means they need way less water. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t chug a gallon of water before a nap, would you?

Before you even think about watering, stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels even slightly damp, walk away. Seriously. Just turn around and leave the room. Overwatering leads to root rot, a fungal nightmare from which few plants return. Your watering schedule from the summer is now officially obsolete.

Give Your Houseplants Some Much Needed Sunlight

Winter sunlight is about as rare and precious as a day without a new streaming service launching. You need to help your plants soak up every last ray they can get. That prime spot on the other side of the room might have been great in July, but now it’s basically the dark side of the moon.

Move your plants closer to the brightest windows you have, which are usually south facing. And don’t forget to wipe down their leaves. Dust and grime act like a grimy film, blocking that precious, weak sunlight. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can make a huge difference. While you’re at it, give them a little turn every week so all sides get a chance to see the light. It prevents them from getting all lopsided and weird looking.

Stop Moving Your Plants Around So Much

While you should move your plants to a sunnier spot, try to avoid giving them a new home every other day. And for the love of all that is green, keep them away from dramatic temperature swings. That means no cozying them up right next to a radiator, fireplace, or a hot air vent. Blasting them with dry, hot air is a one-way ticket to crispy, brown leaves.

Likewise, keep them away from drafty windows and doors. A sudden cold draft is like a slap in the face for a plant that’s just trying to chill. Aim for a stable environment, somewhere between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If you’re comfortable, they’re probably comfortable.

Turn Your Home into a Humid Jungle (Sort Of)

Winter air is notoriously dry, thanks to our central heating systems. Most common houseplants are tropical divas who crave humidity. When the air is too dry, their leaves can start to look sad, brown, and crispy at the edges.

You can combat this by clustering your plants together. They’ll create their own little humid microclimate. Another classic trick is the pebble tray: place a tray filled with pebbles and water underneath your plant pot. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity right where it’s needed. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, just get a humidifier. Your plants (and your skin) will thank you for it.

Don’t Bother with the Fertilizer

Here’s another way to love your plants less this winter: put the fertilizer away. Feeding your houseplants while they’re dormant is like force-feeding someone who’s sleeping. They can’t use the nutrients, so the fertilizer salts just build up in the soil, which can burn their roots and cause serious damage. Save the plant food for the spring when they start waking up and showing signs of new growth.

By following these not-so-complicated steps, you can guide your green companions through the cold, dark months. Winter plant care is less about doing more and more about doing less, but smarter. So, relax, embrace a little benign neglect, and get ready to greet the spring with a house full of happy, thriving houseplants.

As temperatures drop, indoor plants need a little extra care to thrive through the winter months. Pay attention to their light, watering, and humidity needs, since indoor heating can create a challenging environment. With a few simple adjustments, your houseplants can stay vibrant and healthy all season long.