Winter houseplant care: Light, water, and timing matter

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the most important factors in keeping houseplants healthy is providing adequate light. During winter, most plants perform best when placed just off to the side of a south- or west-facing window, where light is bright but not overly intense.

Plants that tolerate lower light levels, such as pothos, cast-iron plant, sansevieria, and heart-leaf philodendron, generally do well near east-facing windows or in rooms with bright fluorescent or LED lights.

 

While light is essential, plants can receive too much, especially as days lengthen and sunlight intensity increases in late winter and early spring.

Symptoms of excessive light include wilting, leaf scorch, and bleaching. On the other hand, insufficient light leads to stunted growth, long and leggy stems, loss of leaf variegation, and overall poor plant health. Prolonged periods of low light can lead to plant decline and death.

 

Watering is one of the most common questions in houseplant care, and unfortunately, there is no single schedule that works for every plant.

Watering needs depend on the species, the amount of light received, and the room temperature. Succulents and cacti typically require water only every 2-3 weeks during winter, while most other houseplants need irrigation approximately every 7 to 14 days.

The best approach is to research each plant’s specific needs and adjust watering based on environmental conditions. One universal rule applies to nearly all houseplants: avoid leaving pots sitting in water unless the plant specifically requires it. Standing water deprives roots of oxygen, promotes root rot, encourages fungus gnats, and can ultimately kill the plant.

Fertilization is another important component of houseplant care. Most plants should be fertilized during the summer months when they are actively growing. However, winter-flowering plants such as Christmas cactus, kalanchoe, and cyclamen benefit from fertilizer applications during their bloom period.

Fertilizer choice affects application frequency. Liquid fertilizers can be applied at half strength with regular watering, while slow-release granular products, such as Osmocote, are typically applied every few months according to label directions.

Over time, plants that remain in the same container can develop problems, including depleted potting soil and rootbound growth. Repotting houseplants every two to three years helps maintain plant health.

According to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Horticulture Extension, the best time to repot is when plants are producing new growth, usually in spring or early summer. Repotting during this period allows roots to establish more quickly in fresh soil and supports vigorous growth.

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Contributing: Taun Beddes