Winter can be a tough season for indoor plants. With colder temperatures, lower humidity, and reduced sunlight, many plants struggle to survive. Some may lose leaves, stop growing, or even die if they don’t get proper care.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to protect your indoor plants during winter, adjust their care routine, and ensure they stay healthy until spring.
1. Why Do Indoor Plants Struggle in Winter?
During winter, plants face three main challenges:
❄️ Lower Light Levels – Shorter days mean less sunlight for photosynthesis.
💨 Dry Indoor Air – Heating systems remove moisture from the air, drying out plants.
🌡 Temperature Changes – Cold drafts and hot heaters can stress plants.
Understanding these challenges will help you adjust your plant care routine for winter survival.
2. Adjusting Light for Winter Survival
Since daylight hours are shorter, plants get less energy from the sun.
🔆 How to Maximize Light Exposure:
✅ Move plants closer to windows to absorb as much natural light as possible.
✅ Rotate plants weekly to ensure even light exposure.
✅ Clean dust off leaves to help them absorb more light.
✅ Use grow lights if natural light is too weak (especially for tropical plants).
🌿 Best Placement for Plants in Winter:
- South-facing windows – Best for maximum sunlight.
- East-facing windows – Good for plants needing indirect light.
- West-facing windows – Gets afternoon light, good for medium-light plants.
🚫 Avoid placing plants near north-facing windows—they don’t get enough light in winter.
3. Adjusting Watering Routine in Winter
Overwatering is a common mistake in winter because plants grow more slowly and need less water.
🚱 How to Water Plants in Winter:
✅ Water less frequently (every 2-3 weeks for most plants).
✅ Always check soil moisture before watering—use the finger test (if the top 1-2 inches are dry, water lightly).
✅ Use room-temperature water (cold water can shock plant roots).
🚫 Signs of Overwatering in Winter:
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy or black roots
- Mold or fungus on the soil
If your plant is overwatered, let the soil dry completely before watering again.
4. Increasing Humidity for Winter Months
Indoor heating dries out the air, which can cause:
🍂 Brown, crispy leaf edges (especially on ferns and calatheas).
🌿 Leaf curling or dropping.
💧 Soil drying out too quickly.
💨 How to Increase Humidity:
✅ Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
✅ Group plants together to create a mini humidity zone.
✅ Place a tray of water with pebbles under plants.
✅ Mist plants lightly 2-3 times a week (avoid misting succulents or cacti).
🌡 Best Humidity Levels for Indoor Plants:
- Tropical plants (Ferns, Monsteras, Orchids) – 50-70% humidity.
- Common houseplants (Pothos, Philodendron, Peace Lily) – 40-60% humidity.
- Succulents & Cacti – 20-40% humidity (they prefer dry air).
5. Protecting Plants from Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature changes can shock plants, causing them to drop leaves or stop growing.
🌡 How to Keep Plants Warm in Winter:
✅ Keep plants in a room with stable temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C).
✅ Move plants away from cold drafts (windows, doors).
✅ Keep plants away from direct heat sources (heaters, radiators).
✅ If near a cold window, place a curtain between the plant and glass to prevent cold damage.
🚫 Avoid placing plants near:
- Radiators or fireplaces (too hot & dry).
- Drafty windows or doors (too cold).
- Air vents (hot air can dry out leaves).
6. Fertilizing Indoor Plants in Winter
Since plants grow slower in winter, they need less fertilizer.
🔆 Winter Fertilization Tips:
✅ Reduce fertilizing to once every 6-8 weeks (instead of every 2-4 weeks).
✅ Use a weaker dose (dilute fertilizer to half strength).
✅ Skip fertilizing if your plant isn’t actively growing.
🚫 Never over-fertilize in winter—it can cause weak, leggy growth.
7. Should You Repot Plants in Winter?
❄️ No, winter is NOT the best time to repot plants. Most plants are dormant and won’t recover quickly from root disturbance.
🔄 Best Time to Repot?
- Spring or early summer when plants start growing again.
🚨 Exceptions (When to Repot in Winter):
- If the plant has root rot (change to fresh, dry soil).
- If roots are severely overcrowded and water isn’t absorbing.
8. What to Do If Your Plant Looks Unhealthy in Winter
🚨 Common Winter Plant Problems & Fixes:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering, lack of light | Reduce watering, move closer to a window |
| Brown, crispy edges | Low humidity | Mist plant, use a humidifier |
| Leaf drop | Sudden temperature changes | Keep plant away from drafts/heaters |
| Leggy growth (tall, weak stems) | Not enough light | Use a grow light or move closer to sunlight |
🛠 Quick Fix: If your plant looks weak, try:
✅ Moving it to a brighter spot.
✅ Checking if the soil is too dry or too wet.
✅ Adding humidity if the air is too dry.
9. Best Indoor Plants for Winter Survival
Some plants handle winter better than others. Here are hardy plants that thrive in low light and dry air:
🌱 Best Low-Light Plants:
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
🌿 Best Low-Humidity Plants:
- Aloe Vera
- Jade Plant
- Cacti & Succulents
🏡 Best Cold-Tolerant Plants:
- Spider Plant
- Chinese Evergreen
- Cast Iron Plant
10. Final Thoughts
Winter can be challenging for indoor plants, but with the right care, they’ll survive until spring. The key is to adjust their light, water, and humidity levels while protecting them from cold drafts and dry air.
🌿 Follow these winter care tips, and your indoor plants will stay healthy, green, and happy—even in the coldest months!