Did you hear that Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter? That’s right, according to this year’s forecast from good ‘ole Mr. Groundhog, we have a long winter ahead of us. With more cold months ahead, we’ve decided to outline a few tips & and tricks for winter houseplant care! Read on to learn how to best care for your green friends during winter.

Assess your lighting

As the time changes and the sun moves, the lighting in your home may change too. Most indoor plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Make sure your plants are still getting enough light. If not, try moving them to a different location. *It’s not recommended to constantly move your plants around. 1-2 times a year is okay, but try to keep them in a location with a consistent amount of sunlight year round.

Keep on watering

Houseplants need water to survive. However, you may need to water more (or less) depending on the temperature & humidity of your home. We recommend purchasing a moisture meter to measure moisture in the soil. If possible, avoid letting the soil get completely dry, and keep watering according to the plant’s needs.

Do not repot!

This one can be challenging, especially when you FINALLY found that beautiful ceramic pot you’ve been looking for (and hey, it was on sale too!) Houseplants have a harder time adjusting to a new environment during the winter, and repotting could shock the plant. If possible, wait until the weather gets warmer and then repot your houseplant. Trust us, your plant will thank you with twice as many leaves as before!

Do not panic about leaf loss

During the winter, you may notice some changes in your plant’s health, including loss of leaves. This is normal! Many plants will shed leaves to aid in the production on new growth. If you see many leaves turning brown or yellowing (many = 3-5+) we recommend reading up on some additional plant care. **Pro tip, Youtube is FULL of amazing plant care videos and channels. Planterina is one of our favorites!

Last but not least, it’s best to know that many houseplants naturally go dormant in the winter. Most houseplants are tropical or subtropical and they thrive in temperatures greater than 68 °F. When the temperature drops, they stop producing new growth and put all their energy into surviving. Once the weather gets warmer, your plants will once again begin to show signs of growth with fresh new leaves, shoots and flowers!

Happy houseplanting and enjoy the winter months ahead!