Winter is a time of rest for plants. Like humans, plants need extra care in winter. During this time, there is less sunlight and more dust, which makes the plants dirty. So, you have to be more careful with the plants.
Now, we are sharing with you some processes to take care of your plants in winter:
Provide Sufficient Light
Sunlight is essential for plants, whether it is the hot season or winter. Due to shorter days in winter, there is less sunlight. Try to place your plant in a spot that gets full daylight. An open balcony or windowsill is perfect for light. However, it is better not to put the plants in direct sunlight; 3 to 4 hours of sunlight is sufficient for flower and vegetable plants’ maintenance.
Do Not Water Too Much
Most plants require less water during winter due to the cold weather. Some plants need water every 2 or 3 days because the soil absorbs less water during this time. Water the plants based on their absorptive capacity, as overwatering can cause the plant roots to rot and the plant to die. Before watering, check how dry the soil is by inserting your finger. If the soil is dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches, it is the perfect time to water your plants. Remember that not all plants need the same amount of water. While some plants need water daily, plants like cactus don’t need water at all in winter.
Avoid Using Cold Water
Cold water is not good for plants as it can weaken them. Use room temperature water. Tap water can be very cold in winter, so be careful when watering your plants.
Provide Sufficient Humidity
Humidity is crucial for growing plants. Plants require about 50 percent humidity, but in winter, room humidity is 10 to 20 percent, which is not beneficial. If you have a humidifier, place your plants near it. You can also group your plants together to increase humidity in the room. Plants transpire water through their leaves, which helps increase humidity. You can place your plants in the bathroom or kitchen, where they can absorb moisture. Another way to increase humidity is to place your plants in a water tray. However, do not place the plant pots directly in the water. Put some stones in the water of the tray and place the pot on top of them. This will increase humidity levels without causing root rot.
Refrain from Fertilizing
Summer and spring are the best seasons to use fertilizers. Winter is not the perfect season for using fertilizer, as it is a resting period for plants. No plants grow at this time except for winter plants, and therefore no plants need fertilizer except for winter plants. Since winter is a dormant period, it is best not to use any fertilizers during this time.
Avoid Pruning and Repotting
Winter is not the perfect season for pruning because it is a rest period for most plants, and they do not grow during this time. However, it also depends on the nature of the plants. For example, indoor plants like vining plants may need pruning in winter, but succulents do not. Repotting is important for every plant, but like pruning, the best time for repotting is summer and spring, and it also depends on the plant’s nature. If you have woody plants, you might need to repot them in winter. Generally, repotting in winter is not necessary for all plants.
Be Careful About Pests
In winter, plants can be affected by fungal and viral diseases such as mealybugs and fruit flies. Medicines like mancozeb and malathion can be used to treat these viruses. Whenever you see an insect on your plants, try to repel it as soon as possible because winter insects can quickly damage the plants since this is their rest period.
Spray the Leaves with Water
During winter, the weather is humid, and the air contains a lot of dust. As a result, a lot of dust accumulates on the leaves. Excessive dust interrupts the process of transpiration through the leaves, which can even lead to the death of the plants. You can clean the dust on the leaves by spraying water or using a tissue. But be careful that the roots do not get water.
Do Not Worry About Falling Leaves
Falling leaves in winter is very normal. During this time, plants rest and store energy within themselves, which they will use later to grow and produce fruit. So, they shed excess leaves to conserve energy. There is no need to worry if leaves fall in winter; your plants will come back to life with green leaves after winter. Taking care of a few things about your plants will ensure they live happily even in harsh winter conditions.
