The heater coughed to life this morning and my pothos gave me a look that said, “Nice sauna for you, desert for me.” I wiped a film of dust off a fiddle leaf fig and it sighed like a computer fan. Even my moisture meter blinked at me as if it wanted a vacation. That was my cue. Winter rules are different for houseplants, and they will file a complaint if we pretend it is still July.
I asked my favorite AI if my snake plant needs more water in winter and it said, “Unlikely.” The snake plant agreed by not moving at all, which is exactly how it says thank you. Short days, dry air, sleepy roots. The fix is simple. A few small changes now keep leaves glossy, pests bored, and soil just right until spring wanders back.
1. Adjust Watering Habits
Winter slows everything down, including your plants’ thirst. Keep the watering can on a leash. Let the top inch of soil dry before giving another drink, and always empty saucers so roots do not sit in cold water. I like to poke a finger into the soil—low tech, but more reliable than any fancy gadget.
Remember that most houseplants would rather be a little dry than soggy when growth slows. Overwatering now is like sending them a flood when they asked for a nap.
- Check soil moisture with a finger before watering
- Reduce frequency to match slower winter growth
- Empty any standing water from saucers
- Use room temperature water to avoid shocking roots
Tip: If in doubt, wait a day. Plants forgive slight dryness faster than soggy roots.
2. Boost Humidity
Central heating turns living rooms into giant hair dryers and houseplants notice first. Crispy leaf tips are their silent scream. Grouping plants together creates a tiny jungle that shares moisture, and a simple tray of water with pebbles underneath the pots acts like a personal spa.
I keep a small humidifier near my ferns and it hums like a gentle robot roommate. Even a few steamy bathroom visits with the door open help. Your plants will stretch their leaves instead of curling them when the air feels like a rainforest instead of a desert.
- Cluster plants to create a shared humidity zone
- Set pots on a pebble tray with water just below the pot base
- Run a small room humidifier near sensitive plants
- Let bathroom steam drift out after showers
Tip: Misting leaves offers a quick boost, but lasting humidity comes from trays or humidifiers.
3. Maximize Winter Light
Snake Plants are great plants to grow in an office with windows as they can thrive even without a month of water
Short days can make your living room feel like a cave, and your plants agree. Slide pots closer to the brightest windows you have and rotate them every week so all sides catch the sun. Dust leaves with a soft cloth so they can soak up every photon like a solar panel.
If your home feels more like a Netflix cave than a greenhouse, consider a simple grow light. I clip one over my desk so the philodendron and I both get a productivity boost. Just be sure to mimic daylight hours rather than running it nonstop, or your plants will think it is a rave and refuse to rest.
- Move plants to the brightest south or west windows
- Rotate pots weekly for even growth
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust
- Add a simple grow light if natural light is limited
Tip: Keep grow lights on for about 12–14 hours a day to mimic winter sun patterns.
4. Hold the Fertilizer
Winter is nap season for most houseplants. Feeding them now is like serving a seven-course meal to someone half-asleep. Skip the fertilizer until days lengthen and new growth appears in spring. Your plants will thank you with stronger roots and fewer leggy stems.
If you absolutely must feed a heavy grower like a tropical palm, cut the dose to a quarter strength and space feedings at least six weeks apart. Less really is more when the light is low and the air is cool.
- Stop regular feeding until spring growth resumes
- If needed, use one-quarter strength every 6–8 weeks
- Watch for signs of new leaves before restarting normal schedule
Tip: Flush soil with plain water once midwinter to wash away any leftover fertilizer salts.
5. Inspect for Pests
Dry indoor air is an open invitation for spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats to set up camp. A quick weekly check keeps small problems from turning into full-scale invasions. Look under leaves, along stems, and in the top inch of soil for anything that crawls, webs, or leaves sticky spots.
I keep a small spray bottle of soapy water ready. A fast spritz followed by a gentle wipe sends most pests packing before they call in reinforcements. Catching them early means you will not spend January chasing mites across the windowsill.
- Check undersides of leaves and stem joints weekly
- Look for webbing, sticky residue, or tiny moving dots
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests
- Use a mild soapy water spray for early infestations
Tip: Isolate any infested plant immediately to keep the rest of the indoor jungle safe.
6. Prune and Groom
Winter is the perfect time to give your houseplants a light haircut. Snip yellowing leaves and trim leggy stems so the plant can focus on healthy growth. Think of it as a spa day where your philodendron leaves feeling lighter and looking sharper.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to avoid spreading disease. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol between cuts if you are moving from one plant to another. A few careful snips now mean fuller, more balanced growth when the brighter days return.
- Remove yellow or dead leaves close to the stem
- Cut back leggy vines to encourage branching
- Clean blades with rubbing alcohol between plants
- Dispose of trimmings to prevent pest or disease spread
Tip: Save healthy cuttings to propagate new plants for free gifts or to expand your own collection.
7. Repot Only if Necessary
Winter is not the season for major root disruption. Most houseplants slow their growth, so repotting now can stress them when they are already taking a break. Check roots only if you suspect the plant is severely root bound or water is running straight through the pot without soaking in.
If a rescue mission is unavoidable, choose a pot just one size larger and use fresh, well draining soil. Otherwise, wait until spring when longer days and active growth help plants bounce back quickly from the move.
- Repot only if roots circle the pot or water drains instantly
- Select a pot one size larger with drainage holes
- Use fresh, high quality potting mix
- Hold off on fertilizer for a month after repotting
Tip: If you just need a refresh, top dress with an inch of new soil instead of a full repot.
Keep Your Indoor Jungle Cozy All Winter
A little attention now means your houseplants will sail through the dark months without a single dramatic leaf drop. Adjusting water, adding humidity, and letting the sun—or a grow light—do its work keeps every leaf glossy until spring calls them back to action.
Spend a quiet afternoon with the watering can and a soft cloth, maybe a playlist that makes the snake plant sway. When the days finally stretch longer, your plants will be ready to leap into fresh growth and you will feel like the hero of your own indoor rainforest.
🌿 Key Takeaways
- Water less, not more: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering to prevent winter root rot.
- Raise humidity: Group plants, use pebble trays, or run a small humidifier to combat dry indoor air.
- Chase the light: Move pots to bright windows, rotate weekly, and clean leaves or add a grow light for short days.
- Pause the fertilizer: Hold feeding until spring growth resumes to avoid weak, leggy stems.
- Check for pests: Inspect weekly and treat early for mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats.
- Prune and groom: Remove dead leaves and trim leggy stems for a tidy winter display.
- Repot only if needed: Wait until spring unless a plant is severely root bound or soil drains instantly.
Bottom line: A few small shifts now keep your indoor jungle healthy and vibrant until the longer days return.
Frequently Asked Questions about Houseplant Care in Winter
Do all houseplants need less water in winter?
Most do, because shorter days and cooler indoor temperatures slow their growth. Succulents and cacti may need water only once a month, while tropicals might still want a light drink every week or two. Always check the soil before watering.
Can I keep my grow lights on all day?
No. Plants need a rest period just like they would outdoors. Aim for 12 to 14 hours of light followed by darkness so their natural rhythms stay balanced.
Should I mist my plants every day?
Misting provides only a brief humidity boost. It is fine for a quick refresh, but grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or running a small humidifier offers lasting moisture.
Is it safe to fertilize during winter if my plant is still growing?
If you see active new leaves, a very diluted feeding—about one quarter of the usual strength—every six to eight weeks is enough. Stop if growth slows or stops.
When is the best time to repot houseplants?
Spring and early summer are ideal because plants are actively growing and recover quickly. Only repot in winter if a plant is severely root bound or the soil no longer holds water.
How do I prevent spider mites indoors?
Keep humidity up, wipe leaves regularly, and inspect weekly. If you spot fine webbing or speckled leaves, isolate the plant and treat with a mild soapy water spray or horticultural oil.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.