How to Keep Plants Alive in Winter: 10 Essential Houseplant Care Tips

Are you having trouble keeping your plants alive as the colder months arrive? You’re not alone! Winter can be a challenging time for indoor plants, even for experienced plant lovers. But the good news is that a few simple adjustments to your plant care routine can make a big difference.

During winter, shorter days, reduced sunlight, dry indoor air, and fluctuating temperatures can all affect the health of your houseplants. And while it might be tempting to give a struggling plant a little extra water or fertilizer, sometimes that can do more harm than good!

The secret to keeping indoor plants alive in winter is understanding how their needs change with the seasons. Most houseplants grow more slowly during the colder months, which means they often need less water, little or no fertilizer, and a bit more attention to their environment.

As a Cornell-trained horticulturist, I’ve learned that successful winter plant care doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re caring for a collection of houseplants or trying to keep your very first pothos alive, these 10 essential winter plant care tips will help you avoid common mistakes and keep your plants healthy until spring.

This article contains affiliate links for advertisers of this site. See our disclosure page for more information.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine to Prevent Root Rot

One of the most important winter plant care tips is to adjust how often you water your houseplants. As daylight hours become shorter and plant growth slows, many indoor plants use less water than they do during spring and summer.

Unfortunately, continuing your usual watering schedule can leave the soil wet for too long, increasing the risk of root rot.

The secret is to check the soil before watering rather than following a strict schedule.

For many common houseplants, such as pothos and philodendrons, you can insert your finger about 1–2 inches into the soil. If it still feels moist, wait a little longer before watering. If the top layer feels dry, it’s time to consider watering, depending on the plant’s individual needs.

Keep in mind that not all houseplants have the same watering requirements. Succulents and snake plants generally prefer their soil to dry out more thoroughly, while plants such as peace lilies typically need more consistent moisture.

How to Water Houseplants During Winter

• Check the soil first. Don’t assume your plant needs water simply because a week has passed.
• Water thoroughly when needed. Apply water slowly to the soil until excess begins draining from the bottom of the pot.
• Empty saucers after watering. Never allow your houseplants to sit in standing water, which can contribute to root rot.
• Pay attention to your home’s environment. Plants near heating vents or in warm, sunny locations may dry out faster than those in cooler rooms.
• Watch for warning signs. Yellowing leaves, wilting, and consistently wet soil can indicate overwatering, although these symptoms can have other causes.

Remember, watering less often doesn’t mean giving your plants just a little sip of water. When your houseplant needs water, give it a thorough drink and allow the excess to drain away.

By paying attention to soil moisture and adjusting your watering routine, you’ll help keep your indoor plants healthy throughout winter.

Avoid Overwatering Indoor Plants in Winter

When plants receive more water than they can use, root rot develops in the soil which ultimately kills the plant.

Overwatering plants will also promote fungus gnats and other insects to flourish causing plants to decline in the winter months.

When watering plants in winter, use room-temperature water to keep the plant’s roots and soil temperature even.

For a refresher on how to properly water tropical plants, we have guidelines here.

Our best practices watering guidelines for succulents can be found here.

2. Give Your Houseplants Enough Light During Winter

The lower amount of light available in winter as well as the change in the light’s direction and intensity notifies houseplants that the seasons have changed.

​When there is less light, plants undergo a slowing in metabolic activity- which is a fancy way of saying they don’t grow as quickly or not at all.

Rather, they stay about the same size. This is normal.

​In some cases, they may drop some leaves as they adjust to lower light levels.

This is normal as well.

However, plants that require medium to high light levels will not fare well in a low-light environment over extended periods.

The addition of a horticultural grow light is a necessity for these types of plants to stay alive through the winter months.

Grow lights can help mitigate this and in some cases, if the plant is in bright artificial light, it may not even know that the seasons are changing.

​However, for many of us, our plants are in our living spaces, and if grow lights aren’t available, low-light plants are the best option for indoor gardening through the winter months.

Turning Plants to Prevent Leaning

We have all seen plants that lean and grow toward a light source- this is known as phototropism.

It often happens in winter when light levels are lower.

To avoid having a lopsided plant, turn them 45 degrees every week or two.

This will prevent any stretching or leaning to one side, keeping your plants symmetrical and attractive.

How to Tell if Your Houseplant Needs More Light

Your houseplants often provide clues when they aren’t receiving enough sunlight. Some common signs include:

• Long, weak, or stretched-out stems, sometimes called leggy growth.
• Smaller new leaves or unusually slow growth.
• Leaves that lose their vibrant color or variegation.
• Plants leaning noticeably toward a window or other light source.

Keep in mind that slower growth is normal for many houseplants during winter, so it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong.

One important winter plant care tip: When moving houseplants closer to windows, make sure their leaves aren’t touching cold glass. Freezing temperatures and cold drafts can damage sensitive tropical plants, even when the room itself feels comfortable.

With a little attention to lighting, you can help your houseplants stay healthy through the darker winter months and prepare them for renewed growth in spring.

3. Keep Houseplant Leaves Clean to Maximize Winter Sunlight

Did you know that something as simple as dusting your houseplant leaves can help keep your plants healthier during winter?

As dust accumulates on leaves, it can reduce the amount of light reaching their surfaces. During the winter months, when natural sunlight is already limited, keeping leaves clean is an easy way to help your houseplants make the most of the available light.

Clean leaves also make it easier to spot early signs of pests, discoloration, or other problems before they become serious.

How to Clean Your Houseplant Leaves

Fortunately, cleaning your houseplant leaves doesn’t require expensive products or special equipment. Here are a few simple methods:

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth. For plants with large, smooth leaves, such as monstera, rubber plants, and peace lilies, gently wipe each leaf with a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Support the leaf with your other hand to avoid damaging it.
• Give suitable plants a gentle shower. Smaller plants with sturdy, water-tolerant foliage can be rinsed with a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Allow excess water to drain thoroughly before returning them to their usual location.
• Use a soft brush for delicate foliage. Plants with fuzzy or textured leaves, such as African violets, are better cleaned with a soft, dry brush rather than water, which can leave spots or damage sensitive foliage.
• Check underneath the leaves. While cleaning, take a moment to inspect the undersides of leaves and where they meet the stems. These are common hiding places for houseplant pests, including spider mites and mealybugs.

Should You Use Leaf Shine Products?

Although commercial leaf shine products may make foliage look glossy, I generally recommend avoiding them. Some products can leave residues on leaves, and certain plants are particularly sensitive to these treatments.

For most houseplants, plain water and a soft cloth are all you need to remove dust and restore their natural beauty.

There’s no need to clean every leaf on a strict schedule. Simply check your plants periodically and remove dust when it becomes noticeable.

Keeping your houseplant leaves clean is a small but worthwhile part of winter plant care, helping your plants capture available sunlight while giving you an opportunity to monitor their overall health.

4. Increase Humidity to Prevent Dry, Brown Leaves

Have you ever noticed the tips of your houseplant leaves turning brown and crispy during winter? Dry indoor air may be part of the problem!

As temperatures drop and we turn on our home heating systems, indoor humidity levels often decrease significantly. While our homes may feel warm and comfortable, the air can become much drier than many tropical houseplants prefer.

Plants such as ferns, calatheas, prayer plants, and peace lilies are particularly sensitive to low humidity. Although not every houseplant needs additional moisture in the air, maintaining appropriate humidity can make a noticeable difference for plants that naturally grow in tropical environments.

How to Increase Humidity for Indoor Plants in Winter

Fortunately, there are several practical ways to help your houseplants cope with dry winter air.

• Use a room humidifier. A humidifier is one of the most effective ways to increase humidity around your houseplants. Place it near plants that appreciate higher humidity, but avoid directing a constant stream of mist onto their leaves.
• Monitor humidity with a hygrometer. This inexpensive device measures the relative humidity in your home, taking the guesswork out of winter plant care. For many common tropical houseplants, a humidity level around 40–60% is a useful target, provided your home can maintain it without condensation or mold problems.
• Group houseplants together. Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. Grouping plants may create a slightly more humid microclimate, although the effect is usually modest in a typical home.
• Keep plants away from heating vents. Warm, moving air from forced-air heating systems can increase moisture loss from leaves. Moving sensitive houseplants away from direct airflow can help prevent unnecessary stress.

Does Misting Houseplants Increase Humidity?

Misting is frequently recommended as a way to increase humidity, but its benefits are generally short-lived.

Although spraying water onto leaves may briefly raise humidity immediately around a plant, the moisture quickly evaporates and does little to improve the overall humidity in your home.

Frequent misting can also leave foliage wet, potentially encouraging fungal or bacterial problems in susceptible plants.

For lasting results, a humidifier is a much more effective solution than misting.

Can Indoor Humidity Be Too High?

Yes! While many tropical houseplants appreciate humid conditions, excessive humidity can encourage mold growth and create moisture problems inside your home.

During winter, condensation on windows can be a warning sign that indoor humidity is too high for the outdoor temperature and your home’s insulation.

A hygrometer makes it easy to monitor conditions and adjust your humidifier as needed.

Remember, brown leaf tips aren’t always caused by low humidity. Inconsistent watering, fertilizer salt buildup, and water quality can also contribute to browning. Before increasing humidity, consider your plant’s overall growing conditions.

By keeping indoor humidity at an appropriate level, you’ll help your tropical houseplants stay healthier and more comfortable throughout the winter months.

5. Reduce Fertilizing During Winter to Avoid Stressing Your Houseplants

When your houseplants aren’t looking their best during winter, you might be tempted to give them a little fertilizer to help perk them up. After all, fertilizer helps plants grow, right?

While that’s true, fertilizing houseplants during winter isn’t always necessary and can sometimes do more harm than good.

As daylight hours become shorter and natural light decreases, many indoor plants slow their growth considerably. Because they aren’t actively producing as many new leaves and stems, they generally require fewer nutrients than they do during the spring and summer growing seasons.

Applying fertilizer when a plant isn’t actively growing can lead to a buildup of soluble salts in the potting soil, potentially damaging sensitive roots.

Should You Fertilize Indoor Plants in Winter?

For most common houseplants, such as pothos, philodendrons, monsteras, and snake plants, it’s perfectly fine to reduce or temporarily stop fertilizing during winter, particularly if their growth has slowed.

However, not every houseplant follows the same seasonal growth pattern.

Plants receiving adequate light from bright windows or supplemental grow lights may continue growing throughout winter. Some winter-flowering houseplants, such as African violets, may also benefit from continued feeding when actively growing.

Here are a few simple guidelines:

• Pause fertilizing when growth slows. If your plant isn’t producing new leaves or stems, it probably doesn’t need additional nutrients.
• Feed actively growing plants sparingly. If your houseplant continues producing healthy new growth, a reduced amount of an appropriate houseplant fertilizer may be beneficial.
• Avoid fertilizing stressed plants. If your plant is struggling with root rot, pest infestations, or other problems, identify and correct the underlying issue before resuming fertilizer.
• Follow the fertilizer label. Never exceed the recommended application rate. Excess fertilizer can damage roots and cause brown leaf tips or margins.
• Resume regular feeding as growth increases. As daylight hours lengthen in spring and your houseplants begin actively growing again, gradually return to an appropriate fertilizing routine.

Can Too Much Fertilizer Damage Houseplants?

Absolutely! Overfertilizing can cause fertilizer burn, which may appear as brown leaf tips, scorched leaf edges, or damaged roots.

You might also notice a white, crusty buildup on the soil surface or around the rim of a pot. This can indicate an accumulation of mineral salts, although minerals from tap water can contribute as well.

If you suspect fertilizer buildup, stop fertilizing and evaluate the plant’s growing conditions. For plants in well-draining pots, occasionally flushing the potting mix with water can help remove accumulated soluble salts.

Remember, fertilizer isn’t medicine for an unhealthy houseplant. If your plant is struggling during winter, check its watering routine, lighting, temperature, and root health before reaching for the fertilizer.

A little patience during the slower winter growing season can go a long way toward keeping your houseplants healthy and ready for renewed growth in spring.

6. Protect Houseplants from Cold Drafts and Temperature Changes

Your home may feel warm and cozy during winter, but your houseplants could be experiencing some uncomfortable temperature changes!

Most of our favorite indoor plants originated in tropical or subtropical environments, where temperatures remain relatively warm throughout the year. When exposed to cold drafts, chilly windows, or sudden temperature fluctuations, these plants can become stressed and may even suffer permanent damage.

Keeping your houseplants at a comfortable, consistent temperature is one of the easiest ways to help them survive winter.

What Temperature Is Best for Indoor Plants in Winter?

Most common tropical houseplants do well when indoor temperatures remain between 65°F and 75°F during the day, with slightly cooler temperatures at night.

However, individual plants have different temperature requirements. Many tropical houseplants can experience chilling injury when exposed to temperatures below approximately 50–55°F, even if the temperature never reaches freezing.

Cold-sensitive plants, such as calatheas, certain philodendrons, and some ficus varieties, may show signs of stress at even warmer temperatures.

Fortunately, maintaining a comfortable environment for your houseplants usually doesn’t require any special equipment.

How to Protect Indoor Plants from Cold Temperatures

Here are a few simple precautions to keep your houseplants comfortable throughout winter:

• Keep plants away from drafty windows and doors. Cold air entering through poorly sealed windows or frequently opened exterior doors can cause sudden temperature drops.
• Avoid contact with cold window glass. Although windows provide valuable sunlight, leaves pressed against cold glass can suffer damage. Leave a little space between your plants and the window.
• Move plants away from heating vents. Direct blasts of hot, dry air can stress foliage and increase moisture loss.
• Be careful with exterior doors. Houseplants positioned near entryways may experience repeated exposure to freezing outdoor air whenever someone enters or leaves.
• Monitor temperatures in cooler rooms. Sunrooms, enclosed porches, and rooms with large windows can become considerably colder overnight than the rest of your home. Using a hygrometer that also measures air temperature is a great way to verify the environmental conditions of your plants.

Signs Your Houseplant May Be Too Cold

Cold damage can appear in several ways, depending on the plant and how low the temperature drops.

Watch for symptoms such as:

• Sudden leaf drop, particularly on sensitive plants such as ficus.
• Dark, water-soaked patches on leaves.
• Wilting or drooping foliage despite adequate soil moisture.
• Yellowing or browning leaves following exposure to cold temperatures.
• Soft, damaged foliage after contact with freezing window glass.

Some symptoms may not appear until a day or two after exposure, so it’s important to consider recent temperature changes when diagnosing plant problems.

One important winter plant care tip: If your houseplants are near a window, check the temperature in that location at night. The air immediately beside a window can be significantly colder than the temperature displayed on your home’s thermostat.

Remember, your houseplants don’t necessarily need a warmer home during winter. They simply need protection from extreme temperatures and sudden changes.

By choosing a comfortable location away from cold drafts and direct heating vents, you’ll help your indoor plants remain healthy until warmer spring weather returns.

7. Watch for Houseplant Pests During Winter

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean houseplant pests take a winter vacation!

In fact, some common indoor plant pests can become particularly troublesome during the colder months. Warm indoor temperatures, dry air, and plants that are already stressed by reduced sunlight can create conditions that allow pest problems to develop.

Spider mites are especially concerning during winter because they reproduce quickly in warm, dry environments. Mealybugs, scale insects, and fungus gnats can also cause problems for indoor plants throughout the year.

The best way to protect your houseplants is to catch pest problems early, before they have a chance to spread.

Common Houseplant Pests to Watch for in Winter

Here are a few unwanted visitors you might encounter:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on plant cells and can cause pale speckling, yellowing leaves, and eventually fine webbing. They are particularly troublesome when indoor air is warm and dry.
• Mealybugs: Recognizable by their white, cottony appearance, mealybugs often hide where leaves meet stems or along the undersides of foliage.
• Scale insects: These pests may look like small brown or tan bumps attached to stems and leaves. Many species remain stationary while feeding on plant sap.
• Fungus gnats: These small, dark flies are often seen hovering around the potting soil. Their larvae thrive in moist growing media, making consistently wet soil an important factor in infestations.

How to Prevent Houseplant Pest Problems

Fortunately, a few simple habits can help you identify and manage pests before they become a serious problem.

• Inspect your plants regularly. Take a close look at the undersides of leaves, along stems, and where leaves join the plant. Many pests hide in these areas.
• Keep leaves clean. Removing dust from smooth-leaved houseplants makes it easier to spot pests and signs of damage.
• Isolate infested plants. If you discover pests, move the affected plant away from your other houseplants when practical to help limit their spread.
• Avoid overwatering. Allowing the potting mix to dry appropriately between waterings can help discourage fungus gnats, although different houseplants have different moisture requirements.
• Maintain healthy growing conditions. Proper lighting, watering, and humidity can help reduce plant stress, making it easier to manage pest problems.

What Should You Do if You Find Houseplant Bugs?

First, don’t panic! Many common houseplant pests can be managed successfully, especially when they’re discovered early.

The appropriate treatment depends on the pest involved, the severity of the infestation, and the type of plant you’re growing.

For example, spider mites may require repeated treatment because their eggs and newly hatched mites can survive an initial application. Mealybugs can sometimes be removed individually with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, although it’s important to test a small area first because some plants are sensitive to alcohol.

Always identify the pest before selecting a treatment, and follow product label directions carefully when using insecticidal soaps or other pest-control products.

Want more help identifying and eliminating houseplant pests? Read my guide on How to Get Rid of Houseplant Bugs for additional tips on protecting your indoor plants.

Remember, healthy houseplants can still develop pest infestations. Regular inspections and prompt treatment are your best defenses against unwanted visitors during winter.

 

8. Avoid Unnecessary Repotting and Pruning During Winter

Winter can be a wonderful time to enjoy your indoor plants, but it’s not always the best season to make major changes to their growing conditions.

As daylight hours become shorter and growth slows, many houseplants need less water and fertilizer. They may also take longer to recover from disturbances such as repotting or heavy pruning.

For most healthy houseplants, it’s best to postpone major repotting and pruning until spring, when longer days and increased sunlight encourage new growth.

However, there are a few important exceptions!

Should You Repot Houseplants in Winter?

For most houseplants, spring is an ideal time to repot because plants are entering a period of more active growth.

Repotting during winter isn’t necessarily harmful, but it can create additional stress for plants that are already struggling with reduced light or unfavorable growing conditions.

If your plant is healthy and simply looks a little crowded in its pot, there’s usually no need to rush.

However, you shouldn’t wait until spring if your houseplant has a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

Consider repotting during winter if:

• Your plant has root rot. If roots are deteriorating because of prolonged waterlogged conditions, prompt attention may be necessary to save the plant.
• The potting soil has become unsuitable. Severely compacted, poorly draining, or contaminated growing media may need to be replaced.
• Your plant is extremely rootbound. If the root system is severely restricted and the plant is showing signs of stress, repotting may be beneficial.

If you do need to repot during winter, choose a container with drainage holes and use an appropriate potting mix. Avoid moving the plant into a pot that’s excessively large, since the additional soil can remain wet for too long. Read our guide to Repotting Houseplants for more tips.

Should You Prune Indoor Plants During Winter?

Just like repotting, major pruning is generally best reserved for periods of active growth.

Removing large amounts of healthy foliage during winter can reduce the plant’s ability to capture the limited sunlight available.

However, light maintenance pruning is perfectly fine throughout the year.

You can safely remove:

• Completely yellow or dead leaves.
• Broken or damaged stems.
• Diseased foliage that should be removed to prevent further problems.
• Dead flowers or spent blooms.

Always use clean, sharp pruning tools, and avoid removing more healthy foliage than necessary.

Give Your Houseplants Time to Rest

One of the most important lessons in winter plant care is recognizing that slower growth doesn’t necessarily mean your plant is unhealthy.

Many common houseplants naturally respond to shorter days by reducing their growth rate. This is a normal seasonal adjustment, not something that needs to be corrected with extra fertilizer, water, or repotting.

Of course, plants receiving plenty of light from bright windows or supplemental grow lights may continue growing actively throughout winter.

The key is to pay attention to your individual plant rather than following a strict seasonal calendar.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your houseplants during winter is simply provide consistent care and allow them to grow at their own pace.

With a little patience, your plants will be ready for renewed growth when the longer, brighter days of spring arrive.

9. Recognize the Early Warning Signs of Winter Houseplant Stress

Have you ever noticed a yellow leaf on your favorite houseplant and immediately wondered what you were doing wrong?

You’re certainly not alone! During winter, houseplants can develop symptoms that leave even experienced plant lovers scratching their heads.

Shorter days, dry indoor air, inconsistent watering, and fluctuating temperatures can all affect plant health. Unfortunately, many of these problems produce similar symptoms, making it difficult to determine exactly what’s wrong.

The secret to keeping plants alive in winter is recognizing potential problems early and understanding what your houseplants are trying to tell you.

Common Signs Your Houseplants Are Struggling in Winter

Here are some of the most common warning signs and what they might mean:

• Yellowing leaves: Often associated with overwatering, but yellow leaves can also result from underwatering, insufficient light, root damage, or natural aging.
• Brown, crispy leaf tips: May indicate low humidity, inconsistent watering, excess fertilizer salts, or sensitivity to minerals in tap water.
• Drooping or wilting leaves: Can occur when soil is too dry, but surprisingly, plants with damaged roots from overwatering can also wilt.
• Sudden leaf drop: May result from cold drafts, abrupt temperature changes, insufficient light, or other environmental stress. Ficus plants are particularly known for dropping leaves when their growing conditions change.
• Long, weak, or stretched-out stems: Often indicate insufficient light, especially when new growth appears pale or widely spaced.
• Soft, mushy stems or leaves: Can be a warning sign of root or stem rot, particularly when the potting soil remains excessively wet.

How to Figure Out What’s Wrong With Your Houseplant

Before reaching for the watering can, fertilizer, or pruning shears, take a few minutes to investigate.

Start by asking yourself these simple questions:

1. Is the soil too wet or too dry? Check the moisture below the surface rather than relying on how the top of the soil looks.
2. Is my plant receiving enough light? Consider whether shorter winter days have significantly reduced the amount of sunlight reaching your plant.
3. Has the temperature changed? Check for cold drafts, chilly windows, or direct airflow from heating vents.
4. Is the indoor air unusually dry? A hygrometer can help you determine whether low humidity may be contributing to brown leaf tips.
5. Are there signs of pests? Examine the undersides of leaves and along stems for insects, webbing, or unusual spots.

Don’t Make Too Many Changes at Once

When a houseplant starts looking unhealthy, it’s tempting to try everything at once. You might water it, add fertilizer, move it to another room, and repot it—all in the hope of helping it recover.

Unfortunately, making several changes simultaneously can create additional stress and make it harder to determine what caused the original problem.

Instead, identify the most likely cause and make one appropriate adjustment at a time, unless your plant has an urgent problem such as root rot or freezing damage.

Give your plant time to respond, and remember that damaged leaves may not return to their original appearance even after the underlying problem has been corrected.

Look for healthy new growth and an overall improvement in the plant’s condition as signs that your adjustments are working.

Remember, Some Changes Are Perfectly Normal

Not every yellow leaf or period of slow growth is a reason for concern.

Older leaves naturally age and eventually fall from many houseplants. Likewise, slower growth during winter is a normal response to reduced daylight for many species.

Learning to distinguish between normal seasonal changes and genuine signs of stress will help you become a more confident plant parent.

With a little observation and patience, you’ll be better equipped to recognize problems early and keep your indoor plants healthy throughout winter.

10. Establish a Simple Winter Houseplant Care Routine

Keeping your indoor plants alive during winter doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your houseplants is to establish a simple routine that helps you recognize their changing needs.

During the colder months, many houseplants grow more slowly and require less attention than they do during spring and summer. Rather than watering, fertilizing, or making changes on a strict schedule, take a few minutes each week to observe your plants and check their growing conditions.

A little consistent attention is often more beneficial than making big changes when something goes wrong.

Your Simple Weekly Winter Houseplant Checklist

Set aside a few minutes each week to check on your houseplants. Here are six simple things to look for:

• Check soil moisture. Before watering, feel the soil to determine whether your plant actually needs water. Remember that different houseplants have different moisture requirements.
• Look at the leaves. Check for yellowing, browning, wilting, or unusual spots that could indicate a problem.
• Inspect for pests. Examine the undersides of leaves and along stems for spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, or other unwanted visitors.
• Monitor light exposure. Make sure your plants are receiving adequate natural or supplemental light as winter days grow shorter.
• Check temperature and humidity. Keep sensitive houseplants away from cold drafts and heating vents, and use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity.
• Remove dead or damaged foliage. Gently remove completely dead leaves and spent flowers to keep your plants looking their best.

Pay Attention to Your Plant’s Individual Needs

One of the most important things to remember about winter plant care is that not every houseplant needs the same treatment.

A snake plant or succulent may go considerably longer between waterings, while a peace lily or fern may need more consistent soil moisture.

Similarly, a plant growing beneath a supplemental grow light may remain actively growing throughout winter, while another plant in a naturally lit room may slow down significantly.

The best winter plant care routine is one that responds to your plants’ needs rather than the calendar.

A Little Patience Goes a Long Way

It’s perfectly normal for many houseplants to grow more slowly during winter. You may not see as many new leaves or the vigorous growth you enjoyed during the warmer months.

That doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong!

As long as your plants are receiving appropriate light, water, humidity, and temperatures, they can remain healthy even when growth is minimal.

Remember, you don’t need to be a plant expert to keep your houseplants thriving. With a little observation, patience, and consistent care, you can help your indoor plants make it through winter and be ready for a beautiful new season of growth in spring.

Keep Your Houseplants Happy and Healthy All Winter Long

Learning how to keep plants alive in winter doesn’t have to be complicated! While shorter days, dry indoor air, and colder temperatures can present a few challenges, most houseplants can make it through the winter months beautifully with a little extra attention and care.

Remember, the secret to successful winter plant care isn’t doing more for your plants. It’s understanding what they need as the seasons change. Adjusting your watering routine, providing adequate light, maintaining comfortable temperatures, and watching for early signs of stress can make all the difference.

And don’t worry if your houseplants aren’t producing lots of new growth right now. For many plants, winter is simply a time to slow down. With a little patience, they’ll be ready to reward you with fresh, beautiful growth when spring arrives.

Looking for more ways to keep your indoor plants thriving? Explore my other houseplant care guides here at Trillium Living for practical tips and advice to help you enjoy healthy, beautiful plants throughout the year.

Happy growing!