The Do’s and Don'ts Of Winter Plant Care

Days are getting shorter and nights are getting cooler. The winter season is here, and that means conditions are slowly changing for your plant babies. Don’t worry, we have your back on how to keep your plants happy and looking fresh the next few chilly months. 

Most plants will do just fine when outside, but some may be sensitive to the cold. For those needing special care, you’ll need to move them inside into a warmer area. During the winter season, take your plants out on sunny days, to let them soak up some vitamin D. However, don’t forget to bring them back inside before it gets dark! Temperatures below 32 degrees can be dangerous for many cold-sensitive plants, including certain succulents. If you live in an area where temperatures drop rapidly or even below freezing, keep an eye on your plants, as frost can be detrimental and cause limpness. If you have plants you physically can’t move inside, cover them with a sheet or tent of some kind. This will protect your outdoor plants from the occasional icy night.

Secondly, all plants—indoor or outdoor—will need their watering schedules adjusted. If you are accustomed to watering your plants once a week, change that to once every two weeks. Plants tend to enter a time of dormancy during the frigid months, and won’t require as much water. If you own any succulents (depending on what kind) you could extend their watering period to even once a month. Plants have telltale signs for when they’re lacking water, such as visible wilting or shriveled leaves. One method of checking if it’s time to water is by placing a finger an inch into the soil, to test if it's dry or moist. If it’s dry, your plant baby could use a glass and moist means your plant is growing just fine. 

When the air begins to turn crisp and the biting cold feels like no life can persist, being a plant mom might be a little daunting. By following these basic tips, you’ll be on the right track!

Written by Vanessa Hernandez & Photos by August Nennmann