Even if it's subtle, growing conditions in your home do change in several ways during the cooler, darker months of the year. You'll need to adjust how you care for your houseplants to keep them healthy and thriving. Follow this guide for winter plant success!
-Watering
Winter means a little less light here in Iowa, and generally speaking, less light means your plants require less water. They just aren’t pulling nutrients and hydration from the soil as fast as normal. Add an extra day or two to your summer watering schedule; if you normally water every 6 days, push it to 8 days. Here at Bloom we love these pots!
They make watering easy and keep our surfaces safe from leaks! If you need assistance choosing the perfect pots for your plants, stop in to Bloom, we’d be happy to help! If you’re feeling unsure about your watering schedule, we’d recommend a moisture meter! https://bloomalgona.com/collections/plants/products/moisture-meter
-Lighting
During the winter months, light levels are affected in our home, especially if you keep blinds or curtains closed more often. If possible, consider moving your plants a bit closer to a window. Rotate your plants a quarter turn at every watering to maintain even growth-they’ll be “reaching” for the light and you don’t want to end up with a party in the back ;) A grow light is a great option as well. Grow lights are designed to stimulate the photosynthesis process within plants by providing them with the right color lighting spectrum. You can use a grow light in most light fixture sockets, just keep an eye on your plants and adjust the distance if needed. Grow lights work best as a lighting supplement, not substitute.
-Temperature
Keep plants away from cold drafts, chilly windows, radiators, and hot air vents. Room temperature is fine for houseplants. In general, foliage indoor plants grow best between 70° and 80°F during the day and from 60° to 68°F at night. However, If you're heating your home, it can dry out quickly. Use a humidifier or give your plants an occasional misting with distilled water. You could also place your plants in a tray filled with rock and add water to the bottom of the tray-this acts as a natural humidity control. Getting your plants up off the floor makes for better lighting conditions and heat rises so they’re less likely to get drafty on a stand. Plus it’ll show off your beautiful container from Bloom.
-Plant Health
Most houseplants tend to grow very little, if at all during the winter months. Heavy fertilizer use can affect the health of your plants roots and leaves. If it’s not putting all those nutrients to use the excess fertilizer can “burn” them. Stop fertilizing in fall, and resume again in spring as plants receive more sunlight, spurring them to actively grow again. Spring is also a great time to plan on repotting any houseplants that need it. Typically that’s when new green growth is starting and the roots will quickly grow into the new space and establish faster in its new home. Don’t let that stop you if your plants really need repotting though-plants can be repotted in the winter with success. Keep an eye out for pests during the winter months as well. Pests seek out the warmer living conditions in our homes. Make a habit of turning plant leaves over and inspecting their undersides and stems every time you water.
-Houseplants are like Natural Vitamin D
Houseplants are proven mood-boosters, which we can all use in the winter. Having a nice assortment of green plants in your space improves air quality as well. Here at Bloom our favorite low-light houseplants for winter are sansevieria, aglaonema, and spider plants, which are Imaged below:
You can order a low light green plant for pick up or delivery online using the link provided. https://bloomalgona.com/collections/plants/products/low-light-houseplant .Plants make fantastic gifts!
Questions about plant care or our current plant selection? Contact us at 515-395-6333
