ALL ABOUT INDOOR WINTER NURTURING
TEMPERATURE
Most indoor plants are tropical and love warmer climates so if you think keeping them all warm by turning up your heating is going to help, it really isn’t. Heat from air conditioners, wood fires and heat pumps lacks humidity, they produce a dry heat which may be too warm and therefore burn your tropical plants. Avoid the temperature extremes, keeping them out of draughts from under the doors and in front of heaters.
SUN
The sun is lower in the sky in winter, days are shorter, and enough light exposure also becomes an issue indoors. Position your plants by tracking the sun in your home and find a spot where they can soak up some rays. Direct sun is permitted in winter because the sun is weaker and will gently nurture not scorch your plant leaves.
MOISTURE
Overwatering of plants in winter is probably the most common mistake. Heating helps to dry out the top layer of soil in pots, so they do need some water, but generally watering should be sparse. The best way to test the moisture level is to lift the pot – very light (ideal) is very dry and any weight will be water in the pot. If dry give a good soaking by standing them in a shallow dish of water overnight so it can be absorbed through the bottom of the pot. Don’t allow the plant to stand in excess water full time but to drain thoroughly, they won’t need watering again until the pot is once again really light. Cacti and succulents may not need watering over winter at all.
If you need help in ascertaining if the plant needs to be watered use a moisture meter. Really handy for an over waterer, easy to read and reliable, don’t water until the meter is on or very close to dry.
FERTILISER
Most indoor plants don’t need fertiliser during winter as they are not actively growing. Although some vining or trailing plants do actively grow throughout the year so these may require some feeding. Use a foliage spray so don’t have to water the plant, slow release fertiliser spikes to push into the soil or pellets.
PESTS
Winter is a great opportunity to have a good look at your plants for pests and diseases. The warmer atmosphere inside can attract spider mites, mealy bug or scale insects. You can treat these with white oil to stop them from spreading to other plants or in the case of a bad infestation use Confidor. This is a systemic insecticide, meaning it goes into the plant and kills anything that chews or sucks on it. Confidor is available in tablets that you push into the soil at the base of the plant or a foliage spray.
Clean dust from the leaves with a soft cloth sprayed with white oil to keep the leaves clean and glossy, giving a little protection at the same time.
LOPSIDED FOLIAGE
Some plants in winter will grow and stretch towards the brightest light in the room making them look out of shape. If you can, move the plant closer to the light in winter, this way you can stop the plant from getting leggy as it stretches out for more light. By rotating it regularly you encourage growth on the sparse side and it will eventually even up the growth
“BURNT” APPEARANCE
Plants can get a cold burn if placed where leaves touch window glass or the cold is so severe it radiates through the glass damaging the plant. The leaves can turn brown and drop off or if not burnt severely get an ugly brownish tinge, unfortunately, these leaves don’t heal and will eventually need to be removed. To stop this happening move your plants back from uncovered windows to a slightly warmer position.
LEAVES TURN BROWN
Brown edges on the leaves are mainly from low humidity or dry air or even not being watered enough. A little spray of water on the leaves helps with humidity. Too much water is indicated by browning on the tips of the leaves.
YELLOW LEAVES
Leaves that are older turn yellow and brown with age and after some time drop from the plant. This is totally normal as the plant grows new leaves sometimes they shed the older ones. Excessive yellowing could mean root rot so check the roots for black slushy areas. Trim and remove the rotted area, repot in fresh light soil and hold back on watering.
It also may not be loving where it lives, move it to another spot and see if it picks up, maybe a slow-release fertiliser to give it a boost.
