Indoor Plant Care for Winter
Fresh Air
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, ways of helping our plants is to change the air inside our homes. Open those doors and windows, even for a short while, to get some fresh air inside! Even on the coldest days of winter we always open the air vents of our greenhouses during the warmest part of the day to allow an exchange of air. The movement of air is also critical to prevent mildew and other fungal diseases. Many folks simply switch on the summer fan in their furnace, but a small circulatory fan can do the job nicely too! With both fresh air and air movement, you’ll also find the atmosphere in your home feels better.
Cleansing
It is also time to give your plants a good shower – any dust that has collected on them creates an ideal breeding ground for pests. Wash dust off the foliage with a soft, warm shower (do not get the soil saturated, just wash the foliage), and note that this only applies to smooth leaved plants, not to African violets and other flowering plants. Not only will your plants will be clean and fresh, but the moisture will also discourage spider mites! Once the plants are all in the shower, it might also be a good idea to spray them with a safe organic pesticide, such as Safer’s soap products. Preventative organic programs, when used on a regular basis, will prevent most pest problems. They should, however, be applied with a small pressure sprayer to be effective, as the spray must completely cover all parts of the plant, especially the undersides of the leaves. Use only warm water when you spray to avoid shocking your plants.
Light
When you put your plants back in their original location, be sure to rotate them regularly so all sides of the plant receive light. At this time of year, it might be wise to keep them close to east or north windows, or at least open the curtains wide to brighten your rooms. Supplying extra lighting to total 16 hours a day will also promote more vegetative growth on many plants.
Watering
Proper watering is the most critical factor for the survival of all your plants. The only true way of telling if a plant needs water is by lifting the pot and feeling its weight. If the pot feels light, the plant needs water; if it feels heavy, do not water. At this time of year, you may only need to water two or three times per month, but when you do, really soak your plants thoroughly with warm water, then let them dry out. This only applies to root-bound plants.
Transplanting
I’m surprised so many folks are wanting to transplant their indoor plants to larger pots at this time of year. Don’t! Plants love to be root-bound in a smaller container, so repotting should not be done until at least mid-April when the growing cycle returns.
Humidity
Plants that are under severe stress should be covered loosely with a clear, lightweight poly bag to create a micro-climate. Placing three or four bamboo stakes in the pot will help keep the poly off the leaves. Mist the plant frequently to increase humidity. You will be surprised to see how this treatment will improve the condition of your plants. This is especially true for citrus. This is one of the most difficult times of the year for our indoor plants and they do require some help. Give them the attention they need now to get them through the rest of winter so that, come spring, they will bounce back with full, lush, healthy growth!
