How to care for your indoor plants in winter

As we collectively set our new year’s resolutions with hope and eagerness for what 2020 had in store for us, many of us proclaimed: “It’s our year.”

But it turns out 2020 hasn’t been The Year for many of us. I will say though, it has been The Year for our homes. With more of us spending exponentially more time indoors, we’re finally paying attention to the walls in which we reside with greater love, care and diligent affection. Homewares brands are weathering the economic storm much better than other industries as people turn their safe spaces into sanctuaries.

Along with the home adornments, we’ve also now got infinitely more time (and less excuses for neglect) for our indoor plants. But more time does not necessarily equate to more knowledge, so here is a quick rundown of how to care for your indoor plants, particularly during the cooler season.

Many on-trend indoor plants are from warmer humid climates, so they’re quite content to be sitting indoors with us throughout winter. But you may have noticed that their growth has slowed down. Here’s how to help them.

Indoor light

I try to keep most of my indoor plants within two metres of natural light (eg. a window or skylight). If you see the low winter sun is beaming inside, set up some of your plants to receive this extra boost.

More low-light tolerant plants will survive in darker locations but growth will be slow, so water less.

Misting foliage & stems

This can be done any time of year but particularly when the home is low in humidity due to heating. Airconditioning, heaters, and fans will dry out foliage and brown leaves, so be sure to set plants up away from sources of heat and drafts.

Misting cleans leaves and will also help to deter pests from congregating. Mist the underside of leaves and stems and remove any dead leaves. We just took all our plants outside to sit in the rain which has given them a good clean and drenched the soil.

Repotting

Wait until spring when the plant is starting to grow new leaves and roots before repotting with fresh premium potting mix. I do this every few years, taking some old potting mix out, lightly trimming roots and adding the new mix and watering in well. You can also go up a pot size should you want more growth.

Fertiliser and seaweed solution

Slow-release plant food can be added in spring but feel free to give a drink of seaweed solution when you do your outdoor watering day. A seaweed solution can help with reducing plant stress from environmental factors. You can use a liquid fertiliser to amend a nutrient deficiency.

Pests

Check both sides of foliage and stems for mealy bug, mites, aphids, scale and treat with an eco oil spray or wipe off with a damp soapy cloth. Trim off any badly affected leaves that are too far gone and draining your plant of important energy.

Slow Down and Grow Something: The Urban Grower’s Recipe for the Good Life by Byron Smith with Tess Robinson, Murdoch Books.