When the nose is red from the cold, the gardener looks forward to a cozy, warm home. But a warm apartment is not always a paradise for plants. Here I tell you what you should know about indoor plants in winter. We have summarized the most important things for you.
What is usually done wrong with indoor plants in winter?
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In winter, the location is often a problem with indoor plants: the plants are often too far away from the window and therefore do not get enough light. If they are located directly next to the heater, they often get too warm. In general, the air humidity in the room can decrease in winter due to the heating air. This is also problematic for indoor plants.
How much light do you need?
Just moving a plant away from the window can cause it to stand too dark. Artificial room lighting is not an alternative, as indoor plants rely on light sources that cover a certain color spectrum – for example special plant lights. Plants respond to too little light by shedding their leaves. As a result, they lose their resistance and are susceptible to pests. Most plants thrive in a light intensity of 500 to 1,500 lux.
Indoor plants that need little light (300-800 lux)
- piston thread (Aglaonema commutatum)
- Cobbler palm (Aspidistra elatior) – even suitable for the middle of a room
- climbing plants ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
- spotted ivy (Scindapsus pictus)
- climbing Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
- Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
- stick palm (Rhapis excelsa)
- Dragon trees (Dracaena fragrans, D. deremensis)
- rubber tree (Ficus elastica)
- violin fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sanseveria trifasciata)
- Flamingo flower (Anthurium andreanum / scherzerianum)
- single leaf (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- wax flower (Hoya carnosa)
- African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)
What can I do to keep my houseplants looking their best all winter?
Here, too, it depends on the right location. I advise you to inquire about the conditions of the plant in its natural habitat. If she has a lot of light there, she needs it in the apartment too. Then a bright location is important. It should be right by the window. The same care applies to the temperature and humidity.
How can I regulate the humidity?
Humidity is underestimated, especially in warm living spaces. Subtropical plants in particular need a high level of humidity. In the short term, this can be remedied by using a sprayer or showering the plant. Bowls with water can also be placed in the room. The humidity increases as the water evaporates. Humidifiers are also beneficial for the indoor climate. They are particularly good at regulating the humidity.
By the way: the humidity is not only beneficial for the plants. The human mucous membranes also benefit from a good indoor climate.
What else is there to consider when caring for in winter?
When watering in winter, it is important that not too little, but also not too much, water is given. Waterlogging in particular is to be avoided. There are no generally applicable rules for watering, because every plant has different requirements. Occasionally clean the leaves with a damp cloth – this is good for the plants. Because they grow less in winter than in summer, indoor plants need fewer nutrients in winter and do not need fertilization between November and February. You should also avoid repotting the houseplants during the winter season. Spring is ideal for repotting.
Is there more pest infestation in winter? How can I prevent it?
In winter, indoor plants are more susceptible to pests. This is due to the fact that the conditions for the pests improve with the poorer growth conditions (i.e. the lack of light, the temperature changes and the less than optimal humidity). Therefore, the plant should be checked for pests once a week in winter. Often mealybugs and scale insects are a problem. First of all, the carpenter can try to wipe off the pests. If that doesn’t work out, pesticides have to be used. Advice from a specialist is recommended.
A general distinction is made between pests that are typical for indoors and outdoors. Nevertheless, pests from outside continue to live when they are brought into the house. To avoid this, you should check two to three weeks before bringing in whether pests are present or not. This leaves time for any treatment of the plant before it is removed.
