Winter can be a challenging time for houseplants. Shorter days, cooler temperatures and drier indoor air mean your plants need a little extra attention. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, your indoor jungle can stay healthy and happy right through to spring.
🌤️ 1. Give Your Plants the Light They Need
Natural light drops dramatically in the UK during winter. Plants that thrived in summer may struggle now.
Tips
- Move plants closer to bright windows (but not against cold glass).
- Rotate plants weekly so all sides get light.
- Clean leaves — dust reduces light absorption.
- Consider a grow light if your home is very dim.
💧 2. Reduce Watering
Plants grow more slowly in winter, so they drink less.
Tips
- Only water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
- Overwatering is the #1 winter plant killer.
- Use room-temperature water (cold water can shock roots).
- Empty saucers so plants don’t sit in water.
🌡️ 3. Keep Temperatures Stable
Most indoor plants prefer 18–24°C, even in winter.
Avoid
- Cold drafts near doors and windows
- Radiators or heaters blowing hot air
- Sudden temperature changes
- Placing plants directly on cold floors or windowsills
If you feel cold in the room, your plants probably do too!
💨 4. Boost Humidity
Winter heating dries out indoor air, which can stress tropical plants.
Try this
- Group plants together to create a humid microclimate
- Place pots on a pebble tray with water
- Run a small humidifier during the day
- Mist occasionally (but avoid over-misting in very cold rooms)
🌱 5. Hold Off on Feeding
Winter is rest season for most plants.
Tips
- Stop fertilising until spring
- Only feed if a plant is actively growing (rare in winter)
- Over-fertilising = burnt roots and weak growth
🪴 6. Avoid Repotting (Unless Necessary)
Repotting stresses plants, and winter is the worst time for recovery.
Only repot if
- The plant is severely root-bound
- The soil has collapsed or is mouldy
- You see root rot and need to save the plant
Otherwise, wait for spring.
🐛 7. Watch Out for Winter Pests
Dry indoor air encourages pests such as spider mites, aphids and mealybugs.
Tips
- Check leaves (tops AND undersides) weekly
- Isolate any infested plant immediately
- Treat early with soapy water, neem oil or plant-safe insect spray
- Increase humidity to discourage pests
🌿 8. Give Your Plants a Little Rest
Winter is a natural slow-down period. Growth may pause or leaves may drop — and that’s normal.
Let them rest
- Lower watering
- Skip feeding
- Keep light stable
- Avoid moving plants too often
By spring, they’ll burst back into life.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Looking after plants in winter doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small changes — more light, less water, stable warmth and a bit of humidity — can make all the difference. With the right care, your houseplants will not only survive winter… they’ll thrive.
