Caring for Indoor Plants in Winter: Light, Humidity, and Watering

By Stuart Kushner

​Indoor plants are lucky. They don’t have to deal with winter’s cold temperatures, snow, ice, and wind like outdoor plants do. Nevertheless, they still must deal with the changes winter brings. Shorter days reduce the amount of light they receive and the cold, dry air isn’t their favorite.
 
Whether it’s your plants hanging from the ceiling or the herbs growing by the windowsill in your kitchen, you’ll need to adjust how you care for your indoor plants. Here are several tips to keep them alive and healthy this winter.

1. Increase Light

Three green plants at window (Alina Vilchenko) Public Domain

With winter comes shorter days than in spring and summer. Make sure your houseplants get enough light during this time.
 
Move them to a brighter spot, like a window, so they can get more light. If it’s not enough, consider adding a supplemental light source, like a grow light. However, don’t move them to a frosty window or they might catch a draft.
 
Rotate plants a quarter turn each week to ensure all parts of it get sunlight.

2. Increase the Humidity

Plants grow best in humidity levels between 40 and 50%, but the humidity drops 10 to 20% in winter. If you have a humidifier, move your plants to a spot close enough for them to reap the benefits. If you don’t, you have other options.
 
Clustering plants is a good way to ramp up the humidity. Plants transpire naturally to release water through their leaves, so placing them together will raise the humidity around them. Place them in bathrooms or kitchens for even better results –– they’ll absorb the moisture from showers and cooking.
 
Another option is to place them on trays filled with pebbles and water. Placing the pebbles at the bottom of the tray will lift the plants above water level. In doing so, it ensures water can evaporate from the plants without them getting root rot.
 
3. Water Less Often

Plants grow at a slower rate in winter and need less water to stay hydrated, and overwatering. Overwatering them will lead to root rot.
 
Rather than follow a watering schedule, check to see if your plants need water by poking your finger at least an inch into the soil. If it’s dry, water it thoroughly. If it’s moist, hold off on watering for a few days, then check to see if it’s dry. Dry soil ensures oxygen can travel to the plant’s root system.
 
Use room temperature water to water your plants –– cold water can shock their roots.
 
 
With just a few changes to your plant care routine, you can enjoy the benefits of having plants inside year-round. When the weather outside is frightening, well-cared-for plants are a surefire way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

Stuart Kushner is a NYC-based writer who is passionate about home improvement and DIY projects. When he's not busy building spice racks, installing gadgets, or caring for his indoor garden, you can find him with a good book, exercising, cooking, listening to music, and enjoying the city's cuisine.