These tips should help to keep your houseplants happy and healthy!
Let them see the light:
There’s less available sunlight for your plants as the days grow shorter. If you can move them closer to a window or to a brighter position. You won't need to worry about the midday sun burning your plants at this time of year. Alternatively you could consider investing in a grow light.
Dust leaves with a damp cloth so plants can make maximum use of available light to help them photosynthesize, so they can continue to purify the air in your home.
Clean windows to allow maximum light transmission.
Cut back on watering:
For most leafy plants stick to this rule: Only water when the soil feels dry to a depth of two inches. Test by pushing your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. This might be once a fortnight or so.
From November to March cacti and succulents will not need watering.
Use rainwater if you can or let tap water sit overnight. Always leave it to get up to room temperature to avoid shocking the roots.
Stop feeding:
They won’t need any fertiliser beyond October, because they won’t be growing.
Feeding plants over winter can do more harm than good. It can upset their natural growth cycle, resulting in spindly stems and pale leaves. So save yourself a job.
Raise humidity:
With heating on humidity levels can drop in Winter to as low as 10-20%. Many houseplants prefer higher humidity. Here's some things you can try to raise humidity levels:
Try grouping plants together
Moving them to a bathroom or kitchen.
Placing your plants on a saucer of moistened pebbles is a good trick. Just don't let the plants sit in the water or the roots may rot.
Avoid extreme changes in temperature:
They won’t enjoy cold autumn winds or being blasted by heaters. So if your plants are above a heater or next to draughty doors or windows, move them away.
They’ll be very happy somewhere with a consistent temperature. If it’s warm enough for you, it’s warm enough for them.
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