Even though they live in the comfortable climate of indoors, houseplants aren’t immune to life-threatening challenges that are posed during the colder months. In winter, indoor plants can be affected by a variety of factors such as temperature and humidity fluctuations, limited light and over- or under-watering. Bittern Garden Supplies is the leading choice for landscaping and garden supplies in Somerville and the surrounding Mornington Peninsula. Read on for a few helpful tips on how to keep your houseplants thriving during the frostier months of the year.
Make Adjustments to Your Watering Schedule
While it’s true that winter air is drier, especially inside where heating systems are in high use, plants experience a slower rate of growth during cold weather so they require less water. Even though the surface soil will dry out quickly during cold temperatures, that doesn’t mean they need watering – if the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface, that’s when you need to give them a drink. An easy way to test this is to poke your finger in and feel for moisture.
Winter Watering Tips
- To avoid shocking the plant’s roots, use water that is about the same temperature as the air.
- Instead of using a watering can, remove the pot from the saucer and run the plant under a tap. Let the water run right through the soil and out the bottom to ensure full hydration.
Consider the Humidity Level
Plants prefer a humidity level close to 50 percent, however in winter, the humidity level in heated homes can drop to as low as 10 percent. You can combat this by using a humidifier, or by using other techniques such as:
- Clustering indoor plants – plants naturally release water through their leaves by transpiration, grouping them together will create natural moisture in the air.
- Store your plants in the bathroom – the bathroom accumulates the most moisture from showers and hot baths.
- Place your plants on or near a tray of water – just don’t let the plants sit in the water, raise the bottom of the pots above the water level.
Expose them to Natural Light
Even indoor plants need some amount of light. Winter means shorter days and less hours of light, and if your house doesn’t face the right way, you might only get light in certain rooms. To help them get sufficient light you can:
- Move your plants closer to windows that get sunlight during winter.
- Make sure dust that has gathered on the leaves of the plants is cleaned off so the leaves can absorb that light better.
- Rotate your pot plants when you water them. This ensures that all sides of the plant get some sun and grow evenly.
Be Mindful of Pests
Pests don’t only target outdoor plants, during the cooler months the increased heat from the heaters combined with a lack of sunlight can lead to troublesome pests attacking your plants. Common pests include fungus gnats, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and white flies. Check your plants regularly for any signs of pests and eliminate them as soon as they appear.
Indoor plants are a beautiful feature of any interior, not only do they bring the outside in, they create a relaxing and calming atmosphere and provide a wealth of health benefits. If you are in need of expert advice or quality garden supplies in Somerville or surrounds to care for your indoor plants, contact the team at Bittern Garden Supplies today.
Recent Comments