Struggling to take care of your house plants now that you’ve brought them inside for the winter? Here are some essential tips and tricks from your local farmers market to ensure your beloved plants thrive inside until they can go back out in the sunshine!
The transition
Bringing outdoor plants inside is a necessary step to protect them from harsh winter conditions. However, the transition can be challenging for your plants. The sudden change in temperature, humidity and light levels can shock and stress them out. Understanding this adjustment period is crucial to their survival.
Inspect and prepare
After bringing your plants indoors, take the time to inspect them carefully. Remove dead or damaged leaves and any pests that may have taken up residence. Re-pot them if necessary and be sure to choose a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Light and temp
One of the most significant challenges for bringing your plants indoors is the reduced light exposure. Place them in the brightest spots in your home, ideally near south or west-facing windows. Supplemental grow lights can also provide the necessary light for their growth. You will also want to maintain a consistent temperature range, avoiding extreme cold drafts and central heating sources that may dry the air excessively.
Watering and humidity
Adjust your watering routine to the specific needs of each plant. Overwatering is a common mistake during winter, as indoor heating can reduce humidity levels. Monitor the soil moisture, allowing it to partially dry before watering. To increase humidity, group your plants together, use a humidity tray or employ a room humidifier.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly prune your indoor plants to encourage healthy growth and remove any yellowing or dead foliage. Maintenance also includes occasional fertilization, but at a reduced rate during the winter months when plant growth is slower.
Pest prevention
Inspect your indoor plants regularly for signs of pests, as they can become more problematic when confined indoors. Isolate any affected plants and treat them promptly to prevent infestations from spreading.
Patience and adaption
Finally, remember that indoor gardening during the winter requires patience and adaptation. Plants may not thrive at the same rate as they did outdoors in the growing season, but with proper care, they can continue to flourish and bring a touch of green to your home! Plus, since you can’t do any gardening outside, you can try propagating some of your indoor plants!
Take advice from your local farmers market
Caring for your indoor plants during the winter months is a rewarding endeavor that requires attention, patience and a bit of a green thumb. While some of us are going to continue buying plants this winter as a part of our hobby, others will be struggling to keep their plants alive. So, give advice where you can and help each other out! We cannot wait to see all our plant vendors at the local farmers market for the 2024 season.
