Winter Plant Care: Light Levels Crucial in Deciding Whether to Fertilize Indoor Plants
Houseplant Fertilizing: Winter Survival Guide
Enjoy those fresh, green indoor friends, but how about winter fertilizing? Here's a guide to help you avoid common mistakes and keep your plants thriving all year round.
Green Thumb or Frozen?The rules are a bit different when it comes to houseplant care during the colder months. Most of our leafy buddies slow down or enter a dormant phase, reducing the need for regular feedings. But are they in this state all winter? Let's find out.
Winter WarriorsIf your houseplant powerhouses are basking in plenty of well-deserved light, they can continue to grow throughout the winter months. So, you can keep fertilizing as you normally would or dial it back to just once or twice a month.
But don't forget that the specific requirements of each houseplant vary greatly. Make sure you're tailoring your care regimen to your plant's needs.
Natural RetreatIf your abode isn't flooded with sunlight and temperatures drop, your plants may go into hibernation mode. In this case, there's no need to keep feeding. But if you're unsure, don't panic - a little extra food isn't going to hurt if done sparingly.
Just remember that even though they're snoozing, your plants are still storing nutrients, so avoid overdoing it. Too much food can cause a buildup of salts, leading to fertilizer burn and stunted growth.
The ExceptionSome of your houseplants might appreciate a special treat come wintertime – like those that bloom seasonally. When it's time for these beauties to show off, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which will promote leaf growth over flowers. Instead, opt for a low-nitrogen formula to help them put on a triumphant display.
Spring AwakeningAs spring rolls around, your plants will start stretching their green limbs once again, signaling the start of another growing season. Start feeding your plants more frequently with a time-release fertilizer, which gradually releases nutrients over time, making over-fertilizing less of a concern.
Bounty of KnowledgeNeed more guidance on keeping your plant posse healthy, stimulated, and thriving all year round? Check out the excellent resources at Costa Farms. Their team of horticultural experts is here to help you level up your indoor gardening skills and take your space to new heights.
Houseplant HeroesWant to add some rare and unique specimens to your collection? Explore our hand-picked selection at the our platform Shop. Each plant comes in a self-watering planter, making caring for your green friends even easier.
Keep Learning- Learn the Five Winter Houseplant Care Mistakes You're Probably Making (click here)- Discover Perfect Houseplant Combinations for Every Room (click here)- Join the Exciting World of Rare, Easy-to-Care-For Houseplants (click here)- Shop Indoor Gardening Essentials at the our platform Shop (click here)
By Melanie GriffithsMelanie is an experienced gardener with over 20 years in the homes and gardens media industry. She's also an enthusiastic organic home grower and orchid connoisseur.
References
- Gardening Know How: Fertilizing Houseplants in Winter | https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/beginners/houseplant-care-tips/how-to-fertilize-houseplants-in-winter.htm
- Costa Farms: Winter Houseplant Care Tips - All About Tropical Plants | https://costafarms.com/houseplant-learning-center/winter-houseplant-care-guide/
- The Spruce Gardens: Can I Fertilize Indoor Plants in the Winter? | https://www.thespruce.com/can-you-fertilize-indoor-plants-in-winter-1411735
- The e Gardener: How Often to Fertilize Houseplants | https://theegardener.com/how-often-to-feed-fertilize-indoor-plants/
- Virtual Florist: How to Care for Your Houseplants: Fertilize | https://www.thevirtualflorist.com/guides/how-to-care-for-your-houseplants-fertilize/
During the winter, many houseplants slow down or enter a dormant phase, requiring less frequent feedings due to reduced growth. However, if your plants are still thriving in well-lit conditions, you may continue fertilizing as usual or scale back to once or twice a month.
On the other hand, if your indoor plants are struggling in low light and cool temperatures, they might enter a hibernation phase where feeding isn't necessary. However, a little extra food won't harm them if you're unsure about their state, but be mindful of overdoing it to avoid fertilizer burn and stunted growth.
