With winter upon us, we will be indoors most of the time. We can make our indoor environment better by having plants that not only feed our psyche, but purify the air we are breathing and generally improve our surroundings. You may recently have purchased or received one of these seasonal plants: Christmas Cactus, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Amaryllis, Peace Lilies and the ever popular Poinsettia. These plants brighten not only our homes but offices, churches and shopping malls at this time of the year. They are great gifts for someone confined to the indoors or as a house-warming gift that will last for weeks and many times into spring.

Here are some things to consider to keep all your houseplants growing well so you can enjoy them throughout the winter and beyond.

Light: Indoor plants have differing preferences for light just like outdoor plants. Some require high light. These plants want five or more hours of bright light, sunlight through a window. They do very well within six feet of a south-facing window. Medium light houseplants prefer several hours of either bright or indirect light. This can come as light from a window or as overhead lighting. Low light houseplants need very little light. Typically, these plants will survive in rooms with no windows. They still, however, need a light source of some kind such as a light bulb or light filtering through from another room.

Temperature: Most houseplants are actually tropical plants. They do not tolerate cold temperatures well. For this reason, it is best to keep them from touching cold window panes. Also, most do not like drafts. Moderate home temperatures, 55 to 65 degrees, will keep them fresh longest. This does not mean that a warmer room will kill these plants, just affect the way they grow. Remember, warm temperatures and strong light make plants want to grow thick and lush. This type of growth occurs best in spring and summer. During winter, we want to just maintain the plant. Warmer room temperatures and winter light can cause your plants to become “spindly” or “leggy.” If your room must be kept warmer, you can help counteract this type of growth by reducing the amount of water you supply.

Water: Proper watering depends on many things such as the type of plant, the plant’s age, soil type and type and size of container. Plant roots take up both water and oxygen from the soil. Allowing the roots to stand in water too long can cause the roots to suffer and deteriorate. Avoid keeping the soil either too wet or too dry. Be sure the plant has good drainage. When you water - water well; allowing the water to drain from the pot. Don’t let the plant sit in water for more than a few minutes. Pour excess water out of the saucer. Wait a few days before watering again.

One way to tell if your plants need to be watered is to use the “one knuckle” test. Using your index finger, place it into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels damp to the touch and the soil tends to stick to your finger, the soil is wet enough and the plant should not be watered. Another way to tell if the plant needs watering is to pick it up, checking the weight. After some experience, it will become rather simple to tell when a plant needs to be watered. It is usually best to allow your plants to wait another day rather than keep them too wet.

Fertilizer: There is normally no need to fertilize your plants during winter months. Wait for spring, then feed monthly to keep your plants growing well. There are two types of fertilizer: liquid, (normally a granule which you dissolve in water) which supplies nutrients all at once or slow release, which supplies nutrients over a period of time. Both work well. Follow instructions on the label with either.

Pests: Normally, there is no problem with insects at this time of the year. However, if you notice a problem; a good horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be applied.

Following these simple tips can give you years of enjoyment and keep your plants healthy and strong during the long gloomy winter.

MVG – Growing Sustainably Since 1984