Winter in Canada can be tough, not only on us, but also on our houseplants. With shorter days, less natural light, fluctuating temperatures, and often drier air, our plants have to adjust to a new environment. However, by following a few simple tips, you can help them stay healthy throughout the cold season.
- Managing light: compensating for the lack of sun
One of the biggest challenges in winter is the decrease in light. Days are shorter and light is less intense, which can stress your plants.
Tips for maximizing lighting in winter:
- Place your plants near windows : Move them to south or west-facing windows, where the light is strongest. But beware of cold drafts!
- Rotate your plants regularly : This allows all parts of the plant to receive light, especially if they tend to lean towards the window.
- Use grow lights : If natural light is truly insufficient, consider investing in full spectrum grow lights to compensate.
- Adjust watering: less is more
In winter, most plants slow down their growth or go dormant. They need much less water than in summer. Watering too frequently can lead to root rot.
Winter watering tips:
- Water sparingly : Wait until the soil is dry for several inches before watering again. Watering frequency will vary depending on the plant, but the general rule is to water much less than in the summer.
- Check drainage : Make sure your pots have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which could cause root rot.
- Use room temperature water : Water that is too cold can shock the roots of your plants. Use room temperature water instead.
- Maintain a stable temperature
Indoor plants are generally sensitive to temperature variations. During the winter, radiators, cold drafts or the proximity of poorly insulated windows can affect your plants.
Tips for temperature management:
- Avoid drafts : Don't place your plants near exterior doors, poorly insulated windows, or heating vents. Cold drafts can damage leaves, while excessive heat from radiators can dry them out.
- Ideal temperature : Most indoor plants prefer a stable temperature between 18 and 24°C. Try to keep your interior within this range to avoid thermal shock.
- Keep them away from direct heat sources : Do not place your plants directly next to radiators or heating appliances, as this can dry out the air and cause burns on the leaves.
- Controlling humidity: a winter challenge
Indoor air often becomes very dry in winter due to heating. Tropical plants can suffer from a lack of humidity.
Tips for increasing humidity:
- Use a humidifier : This is the most effective solution, especially for tropical plants. It will help you maintain a humidity level between 40 and 60%, which is ideal for most plants.
- Group your plants : By placing them together, they create a microclimate with more humidity.
- Mist your plants : Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves of your plants from time to time. However, some plants, like succulents, do not like having wet leaves, so avoid doing this for these varieties.
- Limit the use of fertilizers
During the winter, most houseplants slow down their growth, so they don't need as many nutrients as they do during the active growing season.
Tips on winter fertilization:
- Reduce or stop fertilizing : Most plants do not need fertilizer during the winter. If you fertilize, do it once every two months and use a very dilute solution.
- Resume fertilizing in spring : When you see growth starting again (usually around March or April), you can begin fertilizing regularly.