January
2008 © Janet Davis
Indoor
plants are really much like us in winter:
most would rather be basking in the sun in some tropical clime down
south than shivering beside a snowy window in a cold northern country. 
That’s only natural, for most
houseplants hail from the tropics and though our hot, muggy summers might suit
them fine, the dry conditions inside the average North American house in winter
are anything but ideal.
Some
plants spend winter satisfying a seasonal requirement for dormancy and require
little but the bare minimum to stay alive.
Cacti and succulents, for instance, need much cooler temperatures and
very little water in winter, just as they do in the desert. Hibisucus plants and bougainvillea often lose
their leaves and look unattractive in winter.
Other plants, however, want a little extra attention to survive the cold
months. Since most of us don’t own a
temperature-controlled greenhouse with optimal winter temperatures and humidity
levels, what can we do to keep our indoor plants content until warm spring
weather arrives? Have a look at the
suggestions below:
1. Plant
growth slows in winter when sunshine is weaker and days are shorter, meaning
plants need less water and longer intervals between water. Check the soil for moisture and water only
when it feels dry to a depth of 2.5 cm (1 inch) or so.
2.
Though they need less water during the winter, most houseplants prefer higher
humidity levels, especially those positioned near heat sources. Some, like weeping fig and Boston fern
naturally shed leaves after a change in humidity. Using a mister on this type of plant is not
really practical, because its effects are not long-lasting. However, a room humidifier is often a good
solution. Alternatively, place the pots
close together in a shallow tray filled with pebbles and a little water,
ensuring that the water does not touch the pot bottoms.
3. Houseplants that are growing
slowly or in dormancy require little in the way of nutrients. Most experts therefore recommend against
feeding houseplants at all in winter and only resuming feeding in early spring,
when the plant begins to grow again.
4. Winter light levels are often much too low
for certain houseplants. Plants such as
African violet and gloxinia that prefer indirect light in summer often need
brighter light in winter. Move them near
a south- or west-facing window but be careful of sudden cold snaps and move
them out of the window at night if necessary.
5. Indoor conditions often encourage insects,
particularly if houseplants have spent the summer outdoors on a sundeck or
balcony. It’s advisable to quarantine
these plants for a few weeks when bringing them inside in autumn to ensure that
red spiders, mealy bugs and other pests don’t take up residence indoors. If insects are detected, use a natural,
soap-based insecticide, following the instructions on the label and repeating
as necessary.
Gardening
indoors in winter can be fun and rewarding too.
There are many houseplants with stunning winter blossoms like
poinsettia, cyclamen, primula, gloxinia and kalanchoe. And even though the weather outside might be
truly frightful, pots of fragrant spring bulbs lighting up your kitchen
windowsill are delightful.
With a little
tender, loving care, your houseplants will breeze through winter. And the best news? Spring is only a few short months away.