As we adjust to different weather conditions during the winter, so do your houseplants. Here’s why your houseplants need less water in winter, why you shouldn’t overwater them, and how often you should water them during winter.
When Should I Water My Houseplants in the Winter?
Despite what you might think, most indoor plants require less water during the winter. Although winter air can be drier, plants experience slower growth during the colder months, with some even going fully dormant. Your houseplant’s roots can rot if overwatered, so it’s vital to ensure you’re not overwatering. During the winter months, you should reduce your watering schedule and the amount of water you use.
What Are the Signs of Overwatering Houseplants?
Water is necessary for our houseplants to survive, but overwatering them can quickly kill them, especially during winter. Look out for the following signs for overwatered houseplants during the winter:
- There is a simultaneous drop of new and old leaves.
- There is browning, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves.
- Branches, leaves, or flowers are moldy.
- The roots are rotten, or there is a foul odor.
- The roots are slimy or gray.
If you’ve overwatered your houseplants, you can repot in fresh soil and see if the plant bounces back. Fully-rotted roots are a lost cause, so keep an eye out for this early on to avoid killing your plants.
Winter Watering Tips
- Only water houseplants if the soil is dry at least 2 inches deep. Whenever the plant gets dry, make sure it is well watered. It’s common for surface soil to dry out more quickly during the winter months, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate that your houseplant needs water. It’s time to bring out the watering can when the soil is dry two inches below the surface. Water thoroughly, ensuring the pot drains so no excess water remains.
- Maintain a humid environment for your plants. Misting the surface of your houseplant vines or leaves provides humidity to your plants during the winter, but this only works for specific varieties, such as money trees and alocasias. Use a humidifier or pebble tray with water for the rest of your plants, and keep your plants away from air vents and drafty areas.
- Make sure the saucer doesn’t collect too much water. There is no problem with a bit of water trickling into the saucer, but it’s not good if it’s overflowing! Keep an eye on your saucers and empty them if they get full after watering.
- Water deeply, but less often. Small sips of water may harm or kill your plant because the water won’t reach the roots and encourage healthy, deep growth. How often you water your plants will vary depending on your plants, their pot sizes and soil, light conditions, the humidity, and the temperature of your home. Monitor how they respond to your current watering schedule and adjust accordingly.
- Use room temperature water. This helps your houseplants avoid shock when you water them in the winter. A houseplant exposed to too hot or cold water may suffer damage and become stressed.
- Keep a winter watering schedule on paper or your phone. Different houseplants require different amounts of water; drought-tolerant cacti and succulents might only need minimal watering, while some tropical indoor plants might require more frequent winter watering. Keeping a hard copy or digital record of your watering schedule helps you remember the last time you watered your plants; this is especially important when you aren’t watering your plants as frequently!