During the winter months the right houseplants can incorporate green life into the dreary gray of winter. Just one houseplant can change the whole feeling of a room and make it come alive. Many live plants can help to reduce the amount of toxins and add oxygen into the air.

LIGHT

The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a houseplant is to match plants to your conditions. Just like you would select your clothes for the the weather. For example, you wouldn’t wear a tank top outdoors in a blizzard, and you wouldn’t want to put a high light plant in a dark corner with no natural light. Before you invest in a new houseplant pay attention to the light coming in from the outside**, which direction does the window face? Does it get morning or afternoon sun? Would the plant be hit directly by the sun? Is the desired location near a draft or heater vent?

**Keep in mind that you can supplement with grow lights if needed.

LOW-CARE PLANTS

If you’re likely to get distracted from watering your plants regularly – or you’re not home frequently enough to water them -- then the easiest-care plants are your best bets. They can last through longer periods without water than most other houseplants, especially in low-light conditions. Some of our favorites are:

HUMIDITY

Humidity is really important in the winter months. Forced heat and drafts can dry out the air which is not what tropical houseplants are used to. Remedy this situation by implementing any of the following: ◦ Place a small humidifier near your plants ◦ Cluster your plants together (they release moisture into the air as they breathe) ◦ Place the plant on a tray of pebbles and water (the bottom of the pot should sit on the pebbles, above the water) or a humidity tray.

WATERING

Wondering about watering? You’re not alone! This is a really common question, and unfortunately there are no rules. There are moisture meters you can buy that tell you when the soil gets dry. Use a wooden dowel to help gauge the moisture below the soil surface. Our recommendation is “when in doubt, let it dry out.” The #1 killer of houseplants is overwatering!

How to Keep Your HouseplantsHappy Over the Winter

◦ Pothos◦ Snake plant◦ ZZ plant

◦ Philodendron◦ Chinese evergreen◦ Ponytail palm

FERTILIZING

The good news is that most houseplants don’t need much fertilizer during winter. They grow a lot more slowly, and don’t need as much nutrients as during the growing months. Half strength all purpose fertilizer once a month is sufficient.

INSECTS

Check regularly for insects. The most common are mealy bugs that look like tiny pieces of cotton ball and spider mites. Spider mites are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Sometimes a tiny webbing can be seen along the underside of the leaf. spraying with an insecticide before the plant comes inside for the winter is helpful. You can repeat spraying as necessary. If the plant looks like it is struggling you can always take a photo or bring in a sample and we can diagnose the issue and give you solutions.

As always if you have any questions we are here to help you!