# Winter Plant Care: Keeping Your Indoor Garden Thriving As temperatures drop and days get shorter, your houseplants need a little extra attention. Here's your complete guide to winter plant care. ## Adjusting Your Watering Schedule Most houseplants slow their growth during winter, which means they need less water. The number one killer of houseplants in winter is overwatering. **Tips:** - Reduce watering frequency by about 50% - Always check the top 2-3cm of soil before watering - Use lukewarm water instead of cold tap water - Water in the morning so excess moisture can evaporate during the day ## Managing Light Levels With shorter days, your plants are getting less light than they're used to. **Solutions:** - Move plants closer to windows - Clean your windows to maximise light transmission - Consider rotating plants weekly for even light exposure - Add a grow light for light-hungry tropical plants ## Humidity Is Key Central heating dramatically reduces indoor humidity, which can stress tropical plants. **How to increase humidity:** - Group plants together to create a microclimate - Place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water - Mist leaves in the morning (but not on fuzzy-leaved plants) - Consider a small humidifier near your plant collection ## Temperature Considerations - Keep plants away from cold draughts and windows - Avoid placing plants near heaters or radiators - Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 15-24°C - Watch for signs of cold stress: wilting, browning, leaf drop ## What NOT to Do in Winter - Don't fertilise – wait until spring when growth resumes - Don't repot – plants are dormant and won't recover well - Don't panic about some leaf drop – it's normal seasonal adjustment - Don't increase watering if leaves yellow – it's likely overwatering Stay patient and your plants will reward you with vigorous growth when spring arrives!