Winter has arrived! (although to many it may feel like it has been here for a while!). The colder months of the year are known as the quieter months for most outdoor plants, they go into dormancy and require little to no attention apart from maybe a trim. It is the same for your indoor plants. They might not need to cope with rain and chilly winds but they are susceptible to the changes shorter days (therefore less light) and colder temperatures bring.
You will need to change the way you care for you houseplants to ensure that they remain lush and green throughout the winter months.
Here are some plant care tips to help you and then our best plants for winter.
- Cut back your watering - plants that receive less sunlight need less water, so in the winter reduce your watering. Check that the top 2.5-5cm of soil is dry before you water it.
- Pay attention to the sunlight and move your plant if necessary - in the winter the sun comes up later and sets earlier, plants receive less light than they do in spring and summer. One of the most important plant care tips. If possible, you may want to move your plants closer to windows so they can take advantage of as much light as possible. Rotate pots a quarter turn each week to ensure all sides of your plants get sunlight from time to time. If boosting the light levels isn't an option for you don’t worry your plant should adjust and be fine.
- Stop fertilising - you need your plants to rest until the spring.
- Avoid temperature extremes - Regular household temperatures that you're comfortable in are fine for most houseplants during the winter. But extreme changes in temperature, even for a short time, can cause problems. So keep them away from drafts, heaters and cold windows.
- Check for pests - Winter is prime time for tiny sap-sucking insects like scale insects and aphids ti appear. Turn over the leaves and check stems for any signs of pests. Treat with Neem oil or other insecticidal products if you find any.
- Finally keep your plants foliage clean and think about increasing the humidity for your plants if you are able.
If all else fails and you need a replacement green friend to brighten up your room this winter the pot warehouse has a wide range of lush winter foliage that will suit all spaces.
Low light tolerant plants that are the best plants for winter include:
- Devils ivy (Epipremnum aureus)
- Peacock plant (Calathea orbifolia)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Zanizibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Lady palm (Raphis excelsa)
Pop in to the pot warehouse and browse our pots and plants as well as see our new pot garage for some room inspiration.