As the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip, our houseplants feel the shift just like we do. While we grab sweaters and mugs of tea, plants slow down their growth, receive less sunlight, and face drier indoor air from heaters.
The good news? With a little prep, your green friends can stay happy and healthy all winter long. Here’s your step-by-step guide to winter plant care—with a little help from Grow Queen.
1. Clean the Leaves
Dust naturally builds up on leaves over time, but in winter, every bit of sunlight counts. Since photosynthesis is already reduced by fewer daylight hours, dusty leaves = less energy. Wipe them gently with a soft cloth, or give your plant a light shower. This clears away grime so they can absorb as much light as possible.
✨ Plant science: Leaves have tiny pores called stomata that open and close to regulate gas exchange. Dust can block these pores, reducing their ability to “breathe” and make food.
2. Trim Away Tired Growth
Yellow or brown leaves? Snip them off. Removing damaged or dying leaves helps your plant save energy for new growth and strengthens its overall health during the slower season. Think of it as a little winter haircut. ✂️
✨ Plant science: When leaves yellow, the plant is breaking down chlorophyll and recycling nutrients to other parts of itself. Cutting off the dead tissue stops the plant from wasting resources and redirects energy where it matters.
3. Refresh the Soil & Check Roots
If your plant looks root-bound or the soil has compacted, now is a great time for a refresh. Swap out old soil for a fresh, chunky, well-draining mix like Grow Queen Chunky Aroid Mix. While repotting, check the roots—trim any dead, mushy ones to keep your plant thriving in its cozy pot.
✨ Plant science: Over time, soil compacts and loses air pockets. Roots need oxygen just as much as they need water—without it, they suffocate and rot. A fresh, chunky mix keeps oxygen flowing and prevents bogged roots.
4. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Less sunlight and cooler temps mean your plants aren’t drinking as much. Overwatering is the most common cause of winter plant issues, so let the top few inches of soil dry before watering again. Always check the soil first—your plants will thank you with healthy roots instead of soggy ones.
✨ Plant science: In winter, plants enter a mild dormancy, which slows transpiration (the process of water moving through the plant and evaporating from leaves). Less transpiration = less water needed.
5. Light Feeding
Plants slow down in winter, but they still need a little fuel. A gentle feeding with Grow Queen Organic All-Purpose Plant Food helps maintain their strength without overwhelming them. Think of it as giving them vitamins for the season.
✨ Plant science: While growth slows, plants are still maintaining root health and cellular repair. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, making them perfect for winter when plants don’t need a big “feast.”
6. Adjust Their Space
With less daylight, move your plants closer to bright windows or use grow lights if needed. Grouping plants together also helps create a pocket of humidity, making them feel more comfortable in dry winter air.
✨ Plant science: Grouping plants increases transpiration humidity. As plants release water vapor through their leaves, the surrounding air becomes more humid—great for tropicals like Monstera, Calathea, or Anthurium that crave moisture.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to mean plant struggles. With clean leaves, refreshed soil, careful watering, gentle feeding, and thoughtful placement, your plants will not only survive but thrive through the colder months. A little extra love now ensures they’ll burst back with lush growth in spring. 🌱✨
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