As we hurtle into winter and the colder months, it's important to take some extra measures to make sure your plants are happy and well.
We've put together our top tips to keep your green pals in tip top condition, whatever the weather.
1. Reduce watering
Reduce your watering routine during the cooler months. Only water when the top two inches of soil free dry to the touch. The growth of most plants will naturally slow down during winter time – in fact, they like to use these months to rest. By continuing to water them as regularly you risk putting them under strain which can lead to weak growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for when it is best to water your plants in winter. We’d recommend checking how the soil feels and letting this guide you.
2. Increase light
With shorter days during winter, your plants will want to make the most of the sunlight before it gets dark. Move them to the sunniest spots in your house and nudge closer to your windows - aim for east-facing for morning sun that's not too harsh. You could also consider moving them into a conservatory as that way they will receive light from all directions.
3. Don't fertilse
Now is the time to ditch the fertilser and let your plants slide into winter slumber. Get ready for repotting and propagating in spring when you can start to reintroduce food to them with a weak amount of fertliser.
4. Dust them
It might sound crazy, but clogging your plant's pores (stomata) stops them breathing. Get the feather duster out and give those leaves a polish. Alternatively, you could even treat your plant to a shower at a lukewarm temperature. Having dusty leaves decreases the amount of light that can reach the leaf surface making it difficult for your plant to make food.
5. Stay warm
If temperatures go below 10°C you may see your plants suffer - a cosy home will help, but avoid placing plants within two metres of a heat source, such as a radiators, as this could scorch their delicate leaves. And whilst it may seem obvious, move your plants away from cold drafts, like doors.
3 Hardy houseplants that will breeze the winter
Even if after reading this, you still feel nervous about houseplant care in winter, here are three plants that we’d argue are virtually unkillable, no matter how chilly it gets.
1. Snake plant
A long-leaved and low maintenance plant that is very tolerant of occasional (unintentional) neglect! According to NASA, it is one of the best plants for improving air quality, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide from the air, this makes it an ideal home and office plant. It has distinctive long upright leaves with yellow edges. Native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo.
2. Prayer Plant
A hugely popular plant - no matter the season! Everyone has a soft spot for the Prayer Plant as they are charmed by the way its leaves fold together at night, like hands closed in prayer. Although super easy to care for, and ideal for beginners, Prayer Plants love a little TLC and will always benefit from regular misting using warm water and soil kept moist. Regular watering during the summer months is required, but come the winter months this is less frequent.
3. Parlour Palm
This gorgeous palm with long stems and lush green, feathery foliage not only looks fantastic but also acts as a great air purifier. It is native to the Rainforests of Southern Mexico but for many years has been a popular indoor palm due to its ability to adapt to relatively low light and low temperatures – aka winter time.