How to Keep Houseplants Alive Through Winter
Winter hits hard. The air gets dry, the sun forgets to show up, and everything feels a little off. Your pets are snuggling deeper into blankets. Your skin cracks if you look at it wrong. The heater’s been running so long it feels like part of the family. And your houseplants? They’re feeling it too. They don’t bark or whine, but they’re still living things trying to survive the season. Winter plant care isn’t fancy—it’s just paying attention and making a few small changes to help them through.
Houseplants Feel The Season Too
Plants don’t have voices, but they do have moods. A droopy leaf, crispy edges, soil that stays wet for days—these are all signs they’re reacting to winter. They’re like quiet pets. They won’t nudge your leg when they’re uncomfortable, but they still need care. If you’ve got houseplants sitting in the same spot they’ve been since July, it’s time to check in. Winter changes everything, and they’re trying to keep up.
Light Is Scarce, So Help Them Find It
The sun doesn’t stick around long in winter. Even when it does, it’s weaker. That means your houseplants aren’t getting the light they’re used to. Move them closer to windows, but don’t let them touch the glass—it gets cold and can shock them. If you’ve got a room that stays bright most of the day, that’s the new plant zone. You can also use a basic grow bulb if things are really dim. No need for a fancy setup—just something to keep them from starving for light.
Watering Gets Tricky
Here’s the thing: most people overwater in winter. It feels like the air is dry, so the plants must be thirsty, right? Not always. Growth slows down, and the soil doesn’t dry out as fast. Stick your finger in the dirt. If it’s still damp an inch down, wait. If it’s dry, go ahead and water—but not too much. And don’t forget the air. Dry air makes leaves crispy. Group your plants together, set out bowls of water, or run a humidifier if you’ve got one. Even a steamy shower now and then helps.
Keep Them Away From Trouble Spots
Plants don’t like drama. They want stability. That means no cold drafts from windows or doors, and no blasts of hot air from vents or space heaters. If a plant’s near a vent, move it. If it’s by a door that opens a lot, find a quieter spot. You can also insulate pots by placing them inside baskets or double containers. It’s like giving them a winter coat—keeps the roots from getting shocked by temperature swings.
Soil Needs A Check-In Too
You don’t need to repot everything in winter. In fact, it’s better to wait until spring. But you can freshen things up. Scrape off the top layer of soil and add a little new mix. It helps with drainage and gives the roots some breathing room. Skip the fertilizer for now. Plants aren’t growing much, and feeding them can do more harm than good. Just let them rest.
Watch For Pests
Dry air can invite all sorts of trouble. Spider mites, aphids, and other tiny pests love a warm, dry environment. Check under leaves and around stems. If you see anything weird—webbing, sticky spots, tiny bugs—wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or use a gentle soap spray. Catching it early makes a big difference.
No Barking
Houseplants are quiet companions. They don’t bark or meow, but they’re part of the home. Winter plant care isn’t about perfection—it’s about noticing. A little more light, a little less water, a better spot in the room. These tiny little acts of love help them stay strong through the cold months. And when spring comes, they’ll thank you by growing like crazy.
