HOT PROPERTY

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INDOOR PLANT CARE TIPS DURING WINTER

The

growing season may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean indoor houseplants can’t survive and thrive during the colder and less sunny winter months.

But it’s going to take a little extra TLC to give your inside foliage the best odds of survival at this time of year, the experts concur.

“The good news is that most houseplants will be okay indoors in the winter. The main thing you need to be concerned about with indoor plants is to keep them back from cold windows and doors and move them to areas that don’t get drafts,” says George Tandt, a tropical houseplant collector.

Alex Tinsman, the owner of HowToHouseplant.com and an avid gardener, says many plants in the house struggle around the turn of the year with the drop in temperatures and lower levels of light.

“The cold temperatures and more draughty conditions are big ones – especially if you live in a very cold climate. A big drop in sunlight can also be problematic, as many houseplants like quite bright conditions,” he says. “A frost

can kill a plant when the water inside the plant cells expand while freezing, breaking the cell walls and rendering the plant unable to function efficiently.”

These aren’t the only risks facing indoor vegetation.

“There is increased heat over the winter from your HVAC system and a rise in humidity when humidifiers are used. These may combine to promote pests, including spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealy bugs. You’ll want to keep an eye out for these unwanted critters on your plants and take steps to get rid of them if you spot any,” recommends Trevor Lively, president of Blue Jay Irrigation.

Tinsman says it’s crucial to consider the proper placement of houseplants.

“I like to move certain plants into rooms that get the most sunlight. That means they

are not north-facing. Moving plants around and rearranging your furnishings to accommodate might be required here,” he says.

Above all, relocate any fussier tropical plant away from windows, cold drafts, and external doors advises Tandt.

“Keep them away from heaters and radiators, too. And give any outdoor plants you bring indoors a good spray with an all-purpose insecticide across the leaves, stems, and soil surface before bringing them inside,” Tandt notes.

Not every outdoor plant will adapt well to indoor environments, but some species are sturdier than others.

“If you have any jasmines or geraniums, they would be good options to bring inside, as they are quite delicate when it comes to hard frosts. Citrus plants, like a lemon growing in a pot, would also need to be brought inside to protect from the cold. Cactus is another must, as most of them won’t be able to handle the temperatures outdoors during nighttime,” says Tinsman.

– CTW Features

Contact us with comments or questions at hotproperty@latimes.com.

Your indoor plants will not only survive the winter months, but they’ll also thrive with a few simple tips.

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