Ah, the winter season, when our houseplants take a well-deserved snooze and hibernate in their cosy pots. While they seem low-maintenance during this time, don’t let their relaxed state fool you! They still require a little TLC and a care regime (although moderate) to ensure they stay alive and are ready to thrive when the warmer months come around – their glorious growing season.

Here are some winter indoor plant care tips

Watering 

What’s the deal when it comes to watering your houseplants in winter? “Neglect with respect” is the name of the game. During winter, most indoor plants don’t need to be smothered with water as they are dormant during this time. So, to prevent waterlogging:

• Test the moisture level once a week – you can use a water marker for accuracy. If the soil is dry at a 5cm depth, the plant needs watering.
• When watering, be thorough and allow water to drain completely.
• If your plant has a saucer, dump excess water after an hour or so. 
• Early-morning watering is preferable because it melts away frost in beds and gives the soil a chance to dry out a bit before the cold night rolls in.

Fertilisation 

Feeding your houseplants in winter is kind of a breeze. Houseplants, like people, need food to perform, especially when they are actively growing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Spring and summer are necessary feeding months. However, during winter, feeding is not necessary. 
• If you do fertilise, do it sparingly. Dilute the fertiliser by 50% or more. 
• Once you see the plant setting new growth (typically in late August or September) you may start feeding again.

Plant hygiene 

Winter is a great time to do some house cleaning on your plants. Removing accumulated dust and debris helps plants to breathe and look good. Also, a good cleaning will help wash away unwanted pests. Here’s how to clean your plants:

• Fill a sink with water and add dishwashing liquid to make a simple bubble bath – make sure the water is tepid. 
• Place the plants in the sink and sponge off the leaves with the soapy water. 
• Finish by wiping the leaves with clean water. 

Note: You can place larger plants in the shower to sponge off the leaves, then use the shower head to rinse them off. Allow the plants to drain thoroughly before returning them to their original spot.

Also, don’t repot in winter. Wait until new growth appears in the spring.

Temperature

Two things that you’ll need to look out for when it comes to your winter plant care are temperature-induced droughts and the drying effects of heaters and fireplaces. Do this to protect your plant:

• Keep your leafy companions away from cold draughts and vents.
• Watch that foliage doesn’t touch windows.
• Maintain a humidity level of 40–50%. Humidifiers are an option for increasing humidity in your home. (Contrary to popular belief, misting houseplants does not raise humidity.)
• Fill a large saucer with gravel and add water to raise the humidity around the plant, but ensure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water.

Light it up

Even though the sun might play hide-and-seek during winter, your plants still crave some light. Rotate your plants to give them even access to soft direct or indirect sunlight or consider substituting natural light for heat lamps for plants.