Winter Plant Care: Keeping Your Green Babies Happy All Season Long 🌿❄️
If you’ve ever stepped into Helton House Aesthetics, you’ve probably noticed something right away—I love plants! 🪴 They’re everywhere in my medspa, creating a warm, inviting space where beauty and nature meet. Taking care of plants has always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing that with my clients. But when winter rolls around, even the best plant parents need to make a few adjustments to keep their green babies thriving.
Winter brings dry air, shorter days, and colder temperatures, which can make plant care a little tricky. But don’t worry! With a few simple tweaks, your indoor jungle can stay happy and healthy all season long.
Let There Be Light! ☀️
One of the biggest winter challenges is less sunlight. With shorter days and cloudy weather, your plants might not be getting the light they need.
Move plants closer to windows to soak up as much natural light as possible. South-facing windows get the most sunlight.
Rotate your plants every couple of weeks to ensure even growth.
Clean leaves and windows—dust can block precious light!
Consider a grow light if your home doesn’t get much sun. Even a small LED grow light can make a big difference.
Watering: Less Is More 💧
Overwatering is the #1 reason plants struggle in winter. Most plants enter a resting phase and don’t need as much water as they do in warmer months.
Always check the soil first! Stick your finger about an inch deep—if it’s dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Water in the morning so your plants have time to absorb moisture before the cooler night temps.
Watch for signs of overwatering like yellow leaves, mushy stems, or fungus gnats.
Humidity: Winter’s Biggest Challenge 🌬️
Indoor heating dries out the air, which is rough on tropical plants. If your plant’s leaves start getting crispy edges, it might be craving more moisture.
Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Use a pebble tray—place a dish with pebbles and water under your plant (without submerging the roots).
Mist your plants occasionally (but not too much, especially for fuzzy-leaved plants like African violets).
Run a humidifier to keep both your plants and your skin happy!
Keep Them Cozy, But Not Too Hot 🌡️
Plants love stable temperatures. Avoid sudden drops or extreme heat.
Keep plants away from cold drafts (like near doors or poorly insulated windows).
Don’t place them too close to heat sources like radiators or vents—direct heat can dry them out quickly.
If your windows get cold at night, move plants a few inches away to prevent stress.
Cut Back on Fertilizer 🌱
Winter is a time for rest, not rapid growth. Most plants don’t need fertilizer during this season.
Pause fertilizing until spring, unless your plant is actively growing.
If needed, cut the fertilizer dose in half to avoid stressing your plant.
Pest Patrol: Stay Vigilant! 🕵️♀️
Winter might slow plant growth, but pests don’t take a break! Dry air and indoor conditions can attract unwanted visitors like spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs.
Check leaves regularly for tiny bugs or webbing.
Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth to remove dust and deter pests.
If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
A Little Extra Love 💚
Plants, like people, appreciate a little TLC in the winter.
Dust their leaves to help them absorb more light.
Rearrange your plants for better light and airflow.
Check pots and soil—if a plant is super root-bound, it might need repotting in early spring.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of plants in the winter doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple changes—less water, more humidity, and maximizing light—your plants will stay happy and healthy through the colder months.
At Helton House Aesthetics, I love surrounding myself with plants because they create a space that feels fresh, relaxing, and full of life. Whether you’re here for skincare, self-care, or just to enjoy the jungle vibes, I hope you leave feeling inspired! 🌿💚
Do you have a favorite winter plant care tip? Let’s chat in the comments—I always love talking plants! 😊
