A Gradual Transition to Winter Ensures the Health of Indoor Plants

26

My mandarin orange tree and spider plants had the luxury of an extended outdoor stay on the back deck throughout the summer, relishing the warm weather. However, their outdoor escapade came to an end last month when frost began to loom.

To prepare them for their return indoors, I generously watered them, leaves and all, to eliminate any potential hitchhikers. Additionally, I applied a diluted Neem oil solution to the soil as an extra precaution. Yet, their transition was far from over.

Much like when potted plants are introduced to the outdoors in spring, they need time to acclimate when brought back inside. The key difference is that in the spring, we gradually “harden them off,” exposing them to increasing periods of sunlight and breezy outdoor conditions. However, the return indoors is often more abrupt, without the luxury of a leisurely adjustment period.

This rapid transition is why your recently reintroduced houseplants may be displaying signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and an overall unwell appearance as they adapt to the lower light levels indoors. The same applies to recently purchased plants that were thriving in greenhouses or under artificial lights at the nursery.

Rest assured, with time, they will bounce back. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to facilitate their transition. One effective strategy is to use grow lights, gradually increasing their daily exposure over the first few weeks indoors. However, there are simpler and cost-effective methods to aid in the adjustment process.

During their initial weeks back indoors, position potted plants close to your sunniest window. Keep in mind that even the brightest indoor light cannot match the intensity of outdoor sunlight they enjoyed during the summer. This temporary placement will serve as a pit stop on their way to their permanent winter spot elsewhere in your home.

If you opt to place them on a windowsill, consider lining the entire ledge with aluminum foil. This will reflect sunlight back onto the plants, including the undersides of their leaves. This refracted light can also help prevent seedlings from becoming excessively tall and spindly in the spring.

For a similar light-enhancing effect, you can place a mirror on the wall behind your plants. However, be cautious not to position it too close, as this could potentially scorch the foliage.

These practices can be employed year-round to provide adequate light for houseplants that require bright sunlight.

Even for plants that don’t go into full dormancy, growth typically slows during the winter months. Based on my experience, it’s advisable to postpone repotting until spring whenever possible. If repotting becomes necessary due to factors like overgrowth, infestation, or a damaged container, select a new pot that is either the same size or, at most, one inch larger in diameter than the current one. This helps prevent root rot, which can occur if the plant can’t absorb moisture from excess soil in a larger pot.

Furthermore, reduce your watering frequency. Each plant has its unique needs, but a plant that received daily watering in the scorching summer sun may only require a weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly drink during the winter. As a general guideline, insert your finger knuckle-deep into the soil and water only when it feels dry to a depth of 2 inches.

When you do water, do so slowly and thoroughly until water starts to drain from the pot’s drainage hole. Avoid allowing water to accumulate in the pot’s saucer.

Unless you live in a tropical climate, your indoor plants likely won’t demand or benefit from additional nutrients during the winter. If you believe fertilization is necessary, use only a quarter to half of the recommended dosage and decrease the frequency of applications by the same proportion. Over-fertilizing while the plant is not actively growing can lead to fertilizer burn or browned leaf tips.

Lastly, ensure that your plants are placed away from radiators, shielded from the direct blasts of forced-air heating vents, and protected from cold drafts emanating from windows and doors. Most indoor plants thrive in temperatures in the mid-70s. In general, if you feel chilly, your plant probably does too.

—-

Jessica Damiano, an accomplished writer, authors the highly regarded Weekly Dirt Newsletter and provides regular gardening insights through her columns for The AP. To receive valuable gardening tips and advice every week, you can subscribe to the Weekly Dirt Newsletter here.

—-

For more informative gardening articles from AP, please visit https://bigbignews.net/search?q=gardening#nt=navsearch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indoor Plant Care

More about Indoor Plant Care

• Indoor Plant Care Tips
• Transitioning Outdoor Plants Indoors
• Using Mirrors for Indoor Plants
• When to Repot Indoor Plants
• Winter Watering Guidelines for Houseplants
• Fertilizing Indoor Plants in Winter
• Protecting Houseplants from Drafts