Many people do not know that house plants need special care during the winter. How can you tell when it is time for winter care? One touch of your fingers to that window glass will tell you just how cold it is outside. If your house plant lives in a sunny window, you may want to move it 6″ from the window. Any leaves in constant contact with that cold will not do well at all. Your house plants can be decimated by a cold draft as well.

Moreover, your indoor air becomes dry in the winter from running your heater. The solution is not to water more often although you may need to do that also. The real solution is to mist the plant at least once a day. It is important that your house plant leaves are clean.

Dust the Leaves

Another tip is to dust the leaves before you start misting those plants. Plants breathe through their leaves and a layer of dust can be suffocating. Plants really should have their leaves dusted at least once a week. Smooth leaves can be dusted with a soft cloth – no furniture polish please. Fuzzy leaves such as the African violet can be dusted with a small paint brush.

Spray the Leaves

Hanging plants like the beautiful Spider do well with a monthly shower to clean their leaves. Make sure you use a gentle spray of water. Philodendron leaves can be cleaned with a solution of milk and water – very light on the milk. It will make the leaves shine.

If you have the space, try putting a layer of rock in a pan – an old cake pan or pizza pan – fill the pan with water and set your house plants on top of the rocks. Instant humidity. If you don’t have space for a pan, set out some decorative vases filled with water. You may just find that your own skin is feeling a little less dry.

It is better to check the light your house plant is receiving. Days are shorter and you may need to supplement with artificial light if your plants are looking a little sad.

There should be a resting period for your plants as all plants need it. So you should stop the fertilizer for a couple of months. Trim off any yellowing leaves.

Your house plants may be safe from the winter weather that outside plants experience but some extra special attention will keep them thriving all winter.