How to Winterize Your Plants: Simple Steps for Indoor Cold-Weather Care

As the temperatures drop, it’s time to help your plants adjust to the changing season. Preparing your plants for winter not only protects them but also ensures they’ll thrive once spring arrives. Here’s a quick guide to get your plants winter-ready.

1. Bring Tender Plants Indoors

Many plants are sensitive to the cold and need to be brought indoors to survive. This includes tropical plants, potted herbs, and any non-hardy varieties. Place them near a window where they can still get sunlight but away from drafts and heating vents, which can cause drying.

2. Adjust Watering Routine

During winter, most plants go into a dormant state and require less water. Over-watering is a common issue during colder months, so let the soil dry out a bit between watering. A moisture meter can help prevent over-watering.

3. Check for Pests and Remove with DIY Insecticidal Soap

Pests are one of the biggest problems when transitioning plants indoors. Aphids, spider mites, thrips, and other insects can hitch a ride and quickly spread to other plants in your home. To avoid this, thoroughly inspect each plant before moving it inside.

How to Make Insecticidal Soap

Materials Needed:

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Fragrance-free soap (not detergent)
• Vegetable oil (optional, but helps the mixture stick to leaves)

Combine and shake well:

• 1 quart water
• 1 Tbs. soap (Dishwashing detergent should not be used, stick to fragrance-free, pure soap for best results).
• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil

*Before applying insecticidal soap to the entire plant, test it on a single leaf. Wait 24 hours to ensure there’s no adverse reaction, such as leaf burn or discoloration. If there’s no damage, it’s safe to treat the rest of the plant.

4.Trim and Clean Up

It’s always a good idea to trim indoor plants to keep them healthy and looking their best. Removing dead or damaged leaves and branches helps plants focus energy on new growth. Use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts. This is also a great time to dust off leaves, allowing your plants to absorb more light and stay vibrant through the winter.

5. Transitioning Indoor Plants to Heated Air

Winter heat can dry out the air, which affects plants accustomed to higher humidity. Here are a few ways to help them adjust:

• Use a Humidifier: Place a humidifier near your plants to add moisture to the air, especially if your heating system makes the air quite dry.
• Mist Regularly: Some plants benefit from a light misting to keep leaves from drying out. Just be cautious not to overspray, as it can encourage mold growth.
• Place Plants Together: Grouping plants helps create a micro-humid environment as they release moisture through transpiration.
• Use a Pebble Tray: Place pots on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a bit of water; as the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around your plants.

6. Adjust Lighting Needs

With shorter days, your indoor plants might need a little extra light. If they seem to struggle, consider placing them under a grow light. Choose full-spectrum lights to mimic natural sunlight.

7. Lower Fertilizer Use

Since most plants grow slower in winter, they need less food. Cut back on fertilizer until early spring to avoid stressing them out. Over-fertilizing during the winter can harm their roots.

Winterizing your plants doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, your plants will have the best opportunity to thrive indoors and be well-prepared for the winter chill. The care you invest now will set them up for healthier, more vigorous growth come spring.