Fall and Winter Indoor Plant Care: Keeping Your Houseplants Happy in Cooler Months

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, your indoor plants need a little extra attention to stay healthy and vibrant. Here’s how to help your green friends thrive through fall and winter:

1. Adjust Watering Routines
Plants use less water in cooler, lower-light conditions. Check soil moisture before watering and let the top inch dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common winter issue!

2. Maximize Light
Move plants closer to windows (be mindful of drafts) or supplement with grow lights. Clean dust off leaves and windows to maximize available sunlight. Rotate your plants regularly for even growth.

3. Watch the Temperature
Keep plants away from drafts, heaters, and cold windows. Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65–75°F. Sudden changes can stress your plants.

4. Humidity Matters
Indoor air gets dry in winter. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place trays of water near radiators. Mist leaves if your plants enjoy higher humidity.

5. Pause on Fertilizer
Most plants go dormant or slow down in winter. Hold off on fertilizing until spring unless you see active new growth. Alternatively, if you must fertilize (for some of the big back plant genus’ out there **cough, Alocasia**), there are some mild fertilizers (like Kelpy) on the market that are ok for year-round feeding.

6. Pest Patrol
Check regularly for pests like spider mites or fungus gnats, which can thrive indoors during colder months. Treat promptly if you spot any trouble.

With a few seasonal tweaks, your indoor jungle can stay lush and happy all winter long. Need help troubleshooting? Book a PlantVisit or Virtual PlantRehab for expert support!