Although Denver winters are mild, freezing and sub-zero temperatures can last for days or weeks. As the days become shorter and colder, plants become less active and achieve little growth. The changes in the weather and plant metabolism call for a modification in routine care. Generally speaking, winter is a rest season for most plants, including houseplants. You can adjust your watering schedule, reduce fertilizers, and improvise natural light and warmth to keep the plants healthy. The following 5 tips will help your houseplants retain their lushness and natural charm throughout the cold season.
1. ADJUST LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE
Plants require light to maintain a healthy look and growth. Without sufficient light, your houseplants develop thin and long stems as they try to reach some light. They may also lean towards the nearest source of light.
As days shorten, indoor plants may not get adequate light. You can use artificial light when natural light becomes inadequate or relocate the plants to a place with sufficient natural light.
Freezing winter temperatures are also not ideal for houseplants. Avoid placing the plants near open windows or front doors, as this exposes them to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Similarly, direct high temperatures affect the houseplants, meaning you should keep them away from heat radiators.
2. ADJUST YOUR WATERING
Winter days are cold, and the houseplants tend to slow their activities. As such, your plants require less water than they did in spring and summer. However, they still need water to survive. The trick here is avoiding under or overwatering. Use well-draining pots, and always check moisture levels before adding more water. You can use your finger or moisture meter to know when your plants need more water.
3. IMPROVE HUMIDITY
Humidity is essential for the healthy growth of plants. Its levels impact water and nutrient absorption through the leaves and processes like transpiration and photosynthesis. During the winter, indoor humidity drops as you heat your house. You can increase humidity for your houseplants by grouping them together, misting them, or placing the pots on a pebble tray with water.
4. BALANCE FERTILIZING
Houseplants reduce metabolism in winter and increase it in spring and summer. During the winter season, your houseplants may not require much nutrients. However, they still need some nutrients to survive. Balancing fertilization ensures you do not starve the plants or overfeed them. Too much fertilizer may also cause root-burn and salt accumulation.
You can balance fertilizing using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or a quarter of the recommended strength. Slow-release granular fertilizers also balance winter fertilizing. You can also use organic fertilizers that do not lead to chemical build-up and root burn.
5. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL
Houseplants are susceptible to diseases and pest attacks in winter. During winter, the plants have slowed down their metabolism, and the weather weakens them.
Common pests that affect houseplants in winter include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, and whiteflies. Some common diseases include root rot, fungal infection, and powdery mildew.
The best method of controlling pests and diseases is prevention and early detection. Prevention requires you to eliminate or reduce risk factors. You can prevent common pests and diseases by keeping the plants in adequate light, temperature, and moisture. You can also use preventative pesticides and fungicides.
Early detection controls pests and diseases before they harm the plants. Some early signs of infestations or diseases include stunted growth, yellowing, leaf drops, and blotches. Pests are also visible, and you can see them on the leaves or stems.
Once you detect infestation you can handpick the pests, use readily available rubbing alcohol, or spray the plants with a recommended pesticide.
COMMON WINTER HOUSEPLANT PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Some common winter houseplant problems include;
- Leaf drop. You can control leaf drops by improving lighting, treating nitrogen deficiency, and balancing your watering schedule.
- Yellowing leaves. Yellowing leaves may happen due to moisture imbalance, cold, and sudden temperature changes. Balance your watering schedule and avoid exposing the plant to temperature drifts.
- Leggy growth. Leggy growth refers to thin, long stems with few leaves. You can treat it by increasing light or moving the plant into a well-lighted place.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR HOUSEPLANTS WITH NICK’S GARDEN CENTER
Winter poses significant challenges to houseplant enthusiasts. Your plants may get inadequate light and imbalanced temperature and moisture, leading to leaf drops, yellowing, and leggy growth. But do not give up on them. Contact Nick’s Garden Center for houseplant winter care tips and solutions to common problems.
Air plants are an excellent houseplant option. They improve indoor aura and integrate with your interior deco for enhanced aesthetics. Most homeowners also choose them for their low-maintenance nature. But like any other indoor garden, air plants require a specific care plan. Missing a step in the care plan or overdoing something may lead to their death. So, if your air plants are looking dull or require replacement now and then, this article will help you identify possible mistakes and how to correct them. 
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