Help your houseplants survive the winter

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All plant parents know that the winter months can be tough on our beloved houseplants, with lack of daylight, dry, hot air from central heating and the temptation to overwater all contributing to a difficult environment for houseplants to survive. As we head into the darker months, experts at plant care brand Baby Bio® have shared some top tips on how to help your plants make it through this winter, ready to thrive again in spring. 

Provide plenty of sunlight

Sunlight is, of course, vital to help keep plants alive, but it is often in short supply during winter. It’s therefore important to reposition your plants to ensure you make the most of the light that is available, and that they get enough of it to help them survive. West or south-facing windows tend to get the best of the winter sunlight, so consider rearranging your indoor jungle to accommodate this. Conservatories and porches are also a good option, but only if the temperature doesn’t dip too drastically at night.

Some species however, such as the Snake Plant, Cast Iron and Pothos, will tolerate low levels of light well and won’t need to be repositioned in winter. Plants which prefer full sunlight or “bright but indirect” sunlight in the summer, such as Jade Plants or String of Hearts, will love a sunnier spot in the winter. If your home experiences particularly low light in the winter, consider investing in a grow light to give more sensitive plants an extra boost.

Avoid heat and draughts

In winter, your plant’s usual summer spot can become a very stressful environment, battling between the heat of radiators and draughts coming through the windows. As a general rule, plants don’t like being too warm or too cold, so it is best to move them away from intense heat or cold, whether that means moving them to a more central position in the room or elevating them away from the source. As long as the temperature doesn’t fluctuate from very hot to very cold, they should be happy!

Of course, the environment your plant prefers depends on the species. Plants like the Ponytail Palm and Aloe Vera can cope in higher temperatures, hardy varieties like the Cast Iron Plant don’t mind a draught, whereas Bonsai Trees are sensitive to a slight breeze, so always do your research before relocating. Don’t forget that heating also dries out the air in our homes quite drastically, which can lead to crisp, dry leaves, so invest in a humidifier or place your plants next to a tray of pebbles in a shallow layer of water to increase humidity. Remember to mist regularly, too!

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Reduce watering

One of the biggest killers of houseplants during the winter is overwatering, as most plants are dormant and don’t require as much water. Too much water can lead to root rot, gnat problems, and a lack of oxygen reaching the roots! Instead of sticking to a rigid water routine, instead insert your finger or a pencil into the top two inches of the soil – if this is still moist, there is no need to water! If in doubt, wait one more day! If the soil is dry beyond the top layer, aerate it to allow for an even distribution of water, again using your finger or something like a pencil.

Don’t use water straight from the cold tap, as it can become too cold during winter months and shock the root system. Instead, use tepid water by allowing it to reach room temperature before watering your plants. Although most plants aren’t actively growing during the winter, we recommend using a houseplant feed like Baby Bio® Houseplant Food once a month to ensure they’re still getting all of the nutrients they need to survive the season.

Keep up maintenance

While your houseplants are unlikely to produce new leaves during the winter, it’s important to keep up with general maintenance. Keep leaves clear from dust during the winter, as this not only looks more attractive but helps maximise the light reaching the plant and encourages more growth. Particularly when it comes to plants with large, rubbery leaves like a Monstera, it is important to gently dust leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove any dust that has gathered. Incorporate Baby Bio® Leaf Shine into your routine and simply spray over the surface of each leaf for an even shinier, glossy finish.

Pest problems are also more common in the winter, so if you discover an infestation, firstly isolate your plant to prevent them it spreading. Once you have isolated the affected plant you can begin treatment. Invest in a bug killer that targets a variety of pests including thrips, sawfly, leaf beetles and aphids, like Baby Bio® Houseplant Bug Killer. Spray the plant generously, making sure to cover the leaves and stem from top to bottom, but avoiding soaking any delicate blooms. Repeat this every 10 to 14 days to ensure any hatched eggs are treated.

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For more houseplant care tips and inspiration, follow Baby Bio® on social media on www.facebook.com/babybioplantfood and www.instagram.com/babybioplantfood.

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