Winter Indoor Plant Care

While outdoor gardens are dormant during the colder months, it’s an important time to adjust care for indoor plants. According to the experts at Down to Earth Living, issues like overwatering, low light, and dry indoor air, all adversely affect indoor plants. All familiar challenges for homes across Rockland, Bergen, and the Hudson Valley during the colder months.

“Most houseplants slow their growth significantly in winter,” said Stuart Leventhal, Owner, Down to Earth Living. “Simple changes to watering, light, and placement can help reduce stress and support plant health until spring.”

Key Indoor Plant Care Tips

Water Less

In the winter months, overwatering is a common issue, as most houseplants are not actively growing and require less moisture.

• Water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch
• Empty saucers to prevent roots from sitting in excess water
• Succulents and cacti typically need water only every three to four weeks
• When in doubt, skip watering; too little is safer than too much in winter

Prioritize Light 

Short days and low sun angles make light one of the biggest winter challenges.

• Move plants closer to windows, especially those facing south or west to maximize available light
• Rotate plants every couple of weeks to encourage even growth
• Consider using simple grow lights for light-loving plants, such as fiddle leaf figs, citrus, or herbs. Pale leaves, leggy growth, and leaf drop can signal insufficient light

Increase Humidity 

Indoor heating systems significantly reduce humidity.

• Group plants together to create micro-humidity
• Use pebble trays with water kept below the pot base
• Place small humidifiers near tropical plants
• Keep plants away from radiators, vents, fireplaces, and drafty windows
• Plants such as calatheas, ferns, orchids, and peace lilies are especially sensitive to dry air

Pause Fertilizing 

Most houseplants benefit from a winter break from feeding.

• Hold off on fertilizing until late February or March
• Fertilizing during dormancy can stress plant roots
• Exception: Plants actively growing under grow lights may continue to need fertilizer

Watch for Pests and Seasonal Leaf Drop

• Dry indoor air can lead to spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and scale
• Inspect plants weekly and isolate affected plants early
• Some leaf drop is normal in winter due to reduced light or temperature changes
• Dust leaves with a damp cloth to improve light absorption

Staying attentive to these simple adjustments helps ensure healthy, attractive houseplants all winter long.

Once Down to Earth Living opens again for the season March 10th, they will offer free on-site potting and re-potting services for customers purchasing houseplants or new containers for existing plants.

Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, is a Garden Center serving Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties and the Hudson Valley, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features a selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum, and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. Located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, N.Y., Down to Earth Living is closed for its winter break and will reopen on March 10. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.