By Preine Pereira, Founder, Studio Palasa’
With the winter season engulfing India and a nip in the air, it is important to make sure that your houseplants are well taken care of. Plants often require a little more attention in winters as temperatures plummet. Here’s what to keep in mind this winter-
1. Water plants carefully:
Plants usually tend to develop slowly this time of year and most go dormant in the winter, and hence would not require as much water. This is due to the shorter days, lower temperatures, and reduced sunlight, which all affect a plant’s growth rate and water requirements. During their dormant phase, they slow down their metabolic processes and conserve energy, and thus their water needs are reduced, and they don’t require as much water as they do during the growing season. Additionally, the lower temperatures and reduced sunlight can cause the soil to take longer to dry out, so over-watering can be a common problem during the winter.
2. Fertilize sparingly:
Since they tend to go dormant, most plants do not need fertilization during the winter months. When a plant is dormant, the majority of its energy goes into maintaining its structure and preserving its reserves of food and water, rather than on growing and producing new leaves, flowers, or fruits. Fertilizing at this stage can disturb the plant’s natural rhythm and cause it to break dormancy prematurely, which can be harmful to the plant. If you do have to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer at a lower rate than recommended for active growth. You can go back to using the usual amount once spring season hits.
3. Prune dead or damaged branches:
Winter is a good time to prune deciduous plants, as they are dormant and not producing new growth. Eliminating dead or yellow leaves would be beneficial to the plant. Although do be careful to not prune off any solid green leaves, as it would affect the growth of the plant while it is trying to rest during the cold season. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part water to nine parts bleach to prevent the spread of diseases.
4. Check for pests:
Pests can be more noticeable on plants during the winter when there are fewer leaves to hide on. Also, a plant that is already stressed or weakened is more susceptible to infestation, so always try to keep your plant healthy. One of the best ways to prevent pests from infesting your plants during the winter is through regular inspection. Check your plants regularly for any signs of infestation, such as discolored leaves, holes, or webbing. Be sure to check both the top and the bottom of leaves, as some pests tend to hide on the undersides. If you do find pests on your plants, you can use organic methods to remove them. One popular method is to use a spray solution of water and neem oil, which would help to suffocate the pests and disrupt their reproductive cycle.
5. Provide adequate sunlight:
Many plants need sunlight to survive, which can be tricky during winters as the days are shorter and sunlight is less intense. If you have plants that need indirect light, place them near a south-facing window to provide enough light without exposing them to direct sunlight. If you don’t have a south-facing window, you can try placing your plants near a west or east-facing window. These windows will also provide good light, but the intensity of light may vary depending on the time of day. Remember to rotate your plant every few weeks, so that all sides of the plant get an equal amount of light.
6. Protect plants from wind:
Wind can dry out plants and cause damage, so be sure to protect them from strong winds, especially if they are in planters. Place your plants in a location that is away from doors or open windows or place them in a room that is more protected from strong drafts of wind. You could place a physical barrier of sorts around your plant that will protect it from sudden strong winds.
7. Keep an eye on the weather:
Check the forecast regularly and take necessary precautions to protect your plants from extreme colds or other adverse weather conditions. Cold temperatures and freezing winds can be detrimental to your plants, causing damage to the leaves, stems, and roots. You could try insulating the container with bubble wrap, foam, or straw to help keep the roots warm, and adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil will help keep the soil from freezing as well.
8. Consider a Grow light for plants that do not receive enough sunlight:
Grow lights are perfect for areas that do not receive any sunlight at all. Grow lights are artificial lights that mimic the spectrum of sunlight. They are a great solution for plants that are not getting enough natural light, as they can provide the necessary light for photosynthesis to occur, which helps plants grow and thrive. Installing them will make plants grow better even when not placed near a window. When selecting a grow light, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of plants you have. Each type of grow light has a different spectrum and intensity of light, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your plants.
Your plants need some extra TLC during the winter months. Keep an eye out for pests, reduce watering and keep your plant away from drafty vents and the cold outdoors. Remember that if it gets too cold for you, then it is too cold for your plant too (especially the tropical beauties!). Protect your plant from the harsh cold weather and your plant will come out of its dormant phase as healthy as ever.
