During the winter, indoor plants require some extra attention and care. Whether you’ve brought tender plants indoors to weather the season or simply keep your plants indoors all year long, the winter season can still affect them. Dry air, drafts near windows, and reductions in natural light can take a toll on indoor plants. Use the following tips to ensure that your plants stay healthy so they can continue to enhance your decor and purify your indoor air.

Water Your Plants Less

Many plants go dormant during the winter and require less water. They’re growing less so their needs become less too. Usually, you’ll only need to water your indoor plants once per week. This may vary depending on the type of plants in question, so be sure to keep an eye on it and do some research online about your plant type if necessary. If you see that leaves begin to droop, your plant almost certainly needs a drink. Remember, too, that watering too much can cause root rot.

Move Plants Away from the Window

While plants need sun, they shouldn’t be pressing up against the window glass during the winter. Windows can frost up and the cold can injure your plants. If you have drafty windows, take extra care to protect your plants from the chill. If the temperature near the windows drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your indoor plants will likely suffer.

More Sunlight

During the winter months, there’s considerably less sunlight, and this can have a dramatic effect on the health of plants. Try to move your plants to an east window if you can. Placing them near windows that face north means they’re getting less sunlight in comparison. Again, you don’t want to place your plants too close to the windows, but they may need to be moved closer than where you position them during the warm season. If you’re concerned that your plants aren’t getting adequate sun, you might invest in a sun lamp to ensure that your plants are getting the light they need to thrive.

Add Humidity

During the winter, indoor heating can dry out our air. Most indoor plants do best when humidity ranges between 40 and 50% but during the winter it can drop to a mere 10%. Misting your plants can help, but using a humidifier is ideal. You can turn it on for part of the day where your plants are grouped. If you have a couple smaller plants, move them into the bathroom when you shower so they can enjoy some steam. You can also place your plant pots in a tray of water. As the water evaporates into the air, it can provide plants with some moisture.

Inspect

Watch for signs of distress during the winter months. If plant foliage starts to develop brown or yellow spots, a common problem, you’ll want to spray the area with a tonic to prevent any spreading. You can purchase a plant tonic or make your own from a few teaspoons of baking soda mixed in a gallon of water.

Keep these tips in mind as you help your indoor plants weather the cold season ahead. If you have concerns about a particular plant, don’t hesitate to research to learn more about its specific care needs.