My houseplants don’t do well in the winter, can you tell me how I should be caring for them?
Caring for houseplants during the winter, houseplants need varying amounts of water and fertilizer at different times of the year. They need the most during summer when light levels are high and days are long. They need the least during the short days of winter. The primary reason for this is light. Light fuels plant growth.
More light allows more growth, which results in a greater demand for water and nutrients. When light is limited, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically. Therefore, it becomes easy to overwater and overfertilize during the winter months. Excess water and fertilizer can kill a plant by damaging the root system. Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen, and excess fertilizer can burn roots.
It is never wise to water on a set schedule. Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed. Check to see if the soil is a moist 1-inch deep by inserting your finger into the potting mix. Don’t water unless the mix is dry. Another method of determining when to water is the weight of the pot. Use the former method to determine how light the pot should be before watering.
Another common mistake homeowners make with houseplants is fertilizing during the winter in order to perk plants up. This is the exact opposite of what should be done. Remember it is a lack of light that gives plants the doldrums, not a lack of fertilizer. Therefore, it is best not to fertilize at all during the middle of winter (December-January) and to fertilize sparingly during November and February (maybe one-fourth a normal rate).
For more information contact the OSU Extension Center, 14001 Acme Road, corner of MacArthur and Acme Road in Shawnee or call 273-7683.
