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 Make sure houseplants receive sufficient light now
and throughout the winter. The shorter, often gray days of winter
mean less light reaches our plants. Start by moving plants to the
sunniest available window. A south-facing window is usually best,
but if it is obstructed by trees, awnings or shears it may be no
better than an unobstructed window facing another direction.
If brightly lit locations are limited in your home, try rotating
plants between high and low light areas. Switching plants every few
weeks usually keeps them growing healthy. Give the pots a turn every
few weeks to ensure each side of the plant has time facing the
light. This encourages even growth and discourages stems stretching
toward the light.
Consider supplementing natural light with artificial light when
light is limited. Newer styles that clip onto pots, are mounted on
the wall, or tucked into furniture grade stands make them attractive
and easier to use. And now LED plant lights are more affordable,
longer lasting and use less energy.
Humidity is the other winter stress. Many of our houseplants are
tropical and require higher humidity than our homes provide. As we
turn up the heat, the humidity declines.
Boost the humidity around your plants by displaying them together.
As one plant loses moisture, the others will benefit. Add a gravel
tray for additional humidity. Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles and
water. Then set the plant on the pebbles elevated above the water.
As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
Adjust your watering schedule to fit the conditions
in your home. Always water thoroughly but only as needed. Use your
finger to check the soil moisture below the soil surface. Water
moisture-loving plants, like Moon Valley Pilea, when the top few
inches are barely moist. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry for
cacti and succulents. And always pour off excess water that collects
in the saucer. Or use gravel trays to capture the excess water,
eliminating this task.
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Most houseplants do fine in the same temperatures we
prefer. They do not tolerate drafts of hot air from heat vents or
cold air from windows and doors. Move plants as needed to avoid
drafty locations.
Never trap houseplants between the curtain or blinds and the window.
The temperature can be significantly colder, resulting in injury and
even death of some plants. Place plants on a table near the window
or windowsill extension, leaving room to close the window coverings
at night.
Wait until spring to fertilize. Plants do not need as many nutrients
when their growth is limited by less-than-ideal winter conditions.
As the outdoor growing conditions improve with longer days and
brighter light, so do those indoors.
You will be rewarded with healthier, more attractive plants when
giving them the care they need this winter. And as you tend your
indoor garden, you will help fight the winter blues.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to
Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo credit: MelindaMyers.com]
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