In winter, indoor plants require special care. Some less hardy plants do not tolerate frost and cold well. They can then be affected by the drop in temperature. To allow plants to overwinter well, some adjustments need to be made. Even the water intake should be reconsidered. Find out how to water your indoor plants in winter.
Caring for indoor plants in winter is not easy. Heating, lack of sun and lower temperatures are constraints that plants face during this cold period of the year.
Indoor green plants – Source: spm
How to water indoor plants in winter?
The water needs of most indoor plants decrease in winter, and for good reason, their growth slows down. In addition, some plants go dormant. During this period of rest, dormant plants need a small amount of water. Hence the need to reduce the frequency of watering. They require watering every 15 days, to avoid the accumulation of water in the compost which leads to rotting of the roots. But the best is to check the substrate first. To do this, stick your finger into the soil. If it’s wet, don’t water it.
The frequency of watering in winter also depends on the variety of plants. Succulents will only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks. Moreover, succulents, also called succulents, have fleshy tissues that allow them to store water. They can then survive several weeks without watering. This is particularly the case with cacti. On the other hand, plants that bloom in winter, such as poinsettias or Christmas cacti, need to be watered when the soil is dry.
Note that it is not recommended to water the plants with cold water. This can create a thermal shock in the plant and damage its root system. Also avoid using hot water. It is best to water your plants with water at room temperature. Also prefer spring water, not calcareous.
Watering a houseplant – Source: spm
You can also fill large cups with clay balls that you will keep moist, and place wedges above these cups. Then install your pots on the wedges to allow the plants to absorb the humidity without their roots being soaked in water.
Indoor plant – Source: spm
How to maintain indoor plants in winter?
– Dust the leaves: Soak a cloth in water and pass it over the foliage of your plant to remove the dust. The latter prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs for its growth, just as it prevents their photosynthesis.
– Avoid drafts and radiators: Indoor plants do not like temperature changes. Avoid keeping your plant in an overheated room, and protect it from drafts. Also, choose thick curtains for your windows to protect your plants placed near the windows from the drop in temperature in the evening. Do not place your plant near a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace to avoid burning its foliage.
– Pay attention to parasites: Lack of sunlight, dry air caused by heating, or excess humidity favor the appearance of parasites. Your houseplant may be infested with scale insects , fungus gnats, spider mites and aphids. Also, it is recommended to monitor the plants to treat their foliage as soon as these pests appear.
– Ensure light exposure to the plants: In winter, the days are shorter and therefore the plants do not receive enough light. Move your plants to a conservatory if you have one. Otherwise, keep your plants near a window, but not too close to the glass so as not to expose them to drafts . Also remember to clean the windows well to allow the sun’s rays to better infiltrate the room.
– Avoid fertilizers: Since plant growth slows down in winter, avoid fertilizing them so as not to upset their natural cycle. Resume fertilizer application during the vegetative growth period.
Indoor plants are easy to care for, but in winter, some of them need special treatment to keep them green, and allow them to better resume their growth and flowering, once the cold has passed.
