How to Protect Your Houseplants From Dry Indoor Heat This Winter

If your houseplants have started to look worse for wear now that winter has arrived, you're not alone. With cold weather lurking outside, we tend to crank up the heat to stay warm and cozy inside, but houseplants, despite being tropical jungle or desert dwellers, don’t always prefer the drying effects of an HVAC system. If your plants have started to wilt or droop, it may be a sign that something is amiss with their winterized environment. Ahead, gardening experts share how to maintain your indoor plants without sacrificing your own warmth and comfort this winter season.

Avoid Overwatering

In winter, one of the most important factors for houseplants is the frequency of watering. "Overwatering is one of the top killers of houseplants," says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus. Winter is when many plants are dormant, meaning they aren’t growing as quickly and are more susceptible to overwatering.

The solution? Get your houseplants on a watering schedule. "Most indoor plants can be watered together at the same frequency, except for cactuses and succulents, which only need water once a month, depending on the variety," he says. Many houseplants can wait one to two weeks between waterings during winter.

Another way to solve this problem is through bottom watering. "Let the plant drink from a saucer, so the roots absorb moisture slowly and evenly," says Donna Letier, houseplant expert and co-founder and CEO of Gardenuity.

Move Houseplants Away from Heat Sources

Keep your houseplants a healthy distance from any heating vents, space heaters, fireplaces, or radiators. Placing houseplants too close to any of these can cause them to dry out much quicker than usual, says Dilmore. Excess dry heat can also lead to a less vibrant appearance.

If your plants are near one of these heat sources, relocate them to a large, sunny windowsill. "Preferably a south-facing window, which can provide the most light for your houseplants," says Dilmore. This way, you can keep your plant warm and cozy without turning off the heat or drying it out.

Rotate and Monitor Houseplant Leaves

While some houseplants thrive in winter, others will struggle. Try rotating these latter plants weekly for the best results. And regularly check your plant for crispy or yellowing leaves to remove—doing so will help the plant redirect its energy to the healthy, thriving foliage that’s left. And if leaf damage persists, relocate the plant to a cooler part of the home.

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Create a Microclimate

One or two plants sitting alone are more likely to experience the drying effects of an HVAC system, but when clustered together, plants create mini microclimates and can boost humidity. Just make sure none of your plants are afflicted with pests, as keeping them in close proximity can spread the infestation to healthy plants.

Another way to increase the humidity in your home during winter is to run a small humidifier throughout the day. Generally, most houseplants need humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent, depending on the variety. 

Add Insulation Between Windows and Plants

Nothing can shock a plant more than going from freezing temperatures to warm and cozy ones. Any houseplant sitting on a windowsill, even a south-facing one, may experience sudden temperature shifts at night if these windows are not properly insulated. Consider framing windows with curtains to better insulate your home and protect plants from potentially harmful drafts.