Winter Care for Houseplants: 10 Tips From Our Garden Experts
How to help your indoor plants thrive when the days are short and the furnace kicks on.
Winter in Ohio brings dry air, shifting light, and cooler temperatures. All things that can confuse your houseplants. The good news? A few simple adjustments are all they need to stay healthy until spring.
Here are 10 expert-backed tips from our Garden Team to help your plants stay happy all winter long.
1. Water Less Often
Most indoor plants enter a slower growth period in winter, which means they use water more slowly. Be sure to check soil before watering — the top 1–2 inches should feel dry.
Read our full watering guide →
2. Keep Plants Away From Drafts
Cold air from doors, windows, and poorly insulated walls can stress plants.
Move them a few feet away from:
- Exterior doors
- Single-pane windows
- Winter window condensation
3. Reassess Your Light
Winter sun hits rooms differently.
A plant that thrived in July may need:
- A brighter window
- A higher shelf
- A room with afternoon light
Tip: Give each plant a quick light check
4. Rotate Every Week or Two
Plants naturally lean toward sunlight. A quarter-turn every week keeps growth:
✔ More even
✔ Less leggy
✔ Stronger overall
5. Boost Humidity Gently
Indoor heating dries out the air, especially for tropical plants. Try:
- A pebble tray
- Grouping plants together
- Lightweight misting (avoid for plants with fuzzy leaves)
No need for big humidifiers unless you want them. Small changes will help.
6. Dust the Leaves
- Dust blocks sunlight.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe the leaves every few weeks.
- Cleaner leaves = better photosynthesis = healthier winter growth
7. Don’t Fertilize Right Now
Most houseplants rest through winter. Fertilizing during dormancy can cause:
- Root stress
- Leaf burn
- Weak, stretchy growth
Resume feeding in early spring.
8. Keep Temperatures Consistent
Most houseplants prefer 65–75°F and dislike sudden swings. Avoid placing plants near:
- Heat vents
- Space heaters
- Fireplaces
Steady temps = steady growth.
9. Repot Only If Necessary
Winter is not ideal for repotting unless the plant is genuinely root-bound or struggling. Wait until spring if:
- You’re unsure
- You’re not seeing roots growing through the pot
- Growth has slowed
10. Check for Pests More Often
Warm indoor air + dry winter conditions = occasional pest flare-ups.
Look under leaves every few weeks for:
- Fungus gnats
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
The earlier you spot them, the easier the fix.
A Little Winter Care Goes a Long Way
Houseplants don’t need much in the winter. They need a few thoughtful adjustments to help them through the darkest part of the year. By spring, you’ll see new growth, brighter leaves, and stronger plants ready for the growing season ahead.
If you’re planning to refresh your indoor space this winter, explore our Fresh Start Foliage collection. These are the plants our Garden Experts recommend for winter light in Ohio.
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