In the winter months, people will take different approaches to looking after their houseplants as the demands change for what plants need.
Outside of the growing season, plants require less water and alternative needs. “If we treat them the same way that we do during the summer, we risk damaging or even losing the plant,” according to a gardener online.
The gardener, from the YouTube channel, Plant House & Garden, shared that people do not realise they are contributing to the killing of their plants when they are trying to look after them.
They said: “The conditions inside our homes change a lot during the winter. The temperatures drop, the air gets drier and natural light becomes weaker and less frequent. Unlike the growing season, houseplants enter a slower phase during the winter, but even though growth slows, they are still alive and still need care.”
Houseplants require less water in the winter than in the summer
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The worst thing people do with their houseplants is overwater them as it causes more damage than thought.
“Overwatering is the most common mistake. If you’ve noticed yellowing leaves, soggy soil or a strange smell coming from your plant pot, there is a good chance that overwatering is a problem,” explained the content creator.
They added: “During winter, plants grow much more slowly and use less water. If we keep watering on a set schedule, the soil stays wet for too long.”
If the soil remains wet for too long, the plants can become seriously damaged, and trying to repair them is nearly impossible.
The gardener said: “If the roots sit in soggy soil, it will eventually lead to root rot and root rot is a silent killer that spreads quickly if it’s not caught early. It’s one of the biggest reasons plants suddenly wilt or drop leaves during the winter months.”
Avoiding overwatering is crucial and the expert advised how to water your plants effectively so they get the maximum intake of water they require before damaging them.
They said: “Water less often and only when the soil is dry. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil; if it feels dry, water it. If it is still damp, wait a few more days. Every plant is different but most houseplants prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings in winter.
“Keep in mind that the top layer of soil dries out quickly due to indoor heating but the soil below can still be wet. If you water based on the dry surface, you risk overwatering.”
People have been advised to only water their plants when necessary
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The expert said that people should check the soil below the surface before they start watering as only checking the top would not give a fair account.
It is better to have your plants slightly underwatered than overwatered they advised.
“You can revive a thirsty plant but saving one with root is much harder,” said the content creator.
People were recently told how to look after their orchids in the home during the winter, making sure they get the right temperature in the room and the correct amount of lighting.
