The Window Source Guide to Growing Houseplants in the Winter New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine
Houseplants can improve your life in many ways. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, beautiful indoor plants. They can help fill the inside of your home with life and color. Plus, your holiday visitors will undoubtedly enjoy your gorgeous amaryllis, holiday cactus, and poinsettia plants.
It can be difficult to keep plants happy in the winter. They’ll need a little extra TLC to stay gorgeous and vibrant throughout the coldest season of the year. Plants only require three things to keep healthy—sunlight, moisture, and the right drainage. Here are some tips to enjoy big beautiful blooms all season long.
Avoid Placing Plants Near Drafty Windows
Plants don’t do very well with temperature extremes. Therefore, keep them away from areas that are too chilly. Position sun-loving plants near a window. But, avoid windows that are leaking. If any of your windows are drafty, you might want to consider replacing them. Your plants will be healthier plus you’ll save on energy costs too.
Consider Replacing Your Kitchen Window With A Garden Window
Garden windows are a great way to grow plants all year-round especially in climates that have extreme windows. Garden windows protrude outward and provide space and light for your houseplants. Because garden windows bring a vast amount of light into your home, they are great for small or dark kitchens. With a garden window, you can continue growing fresh herbs for your holiday meals. Growing herbs when the ground is covered in snow outside is a joy.
Maintain a Steady Temperature in Your Home
Although the ideal temperature varies by species, most plants need a daytime temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home during the windows, check your windows and doors for leaks. Either repair or replace drafty windows and doors.
Don’t Overwater
Your plants won’t need as much water in the winter as they did during the warm months. So, resist the urge to overwater them. Otherwise, you’ll likely flood them with too much water. How do you know if they have enough water? Simply, poke your finger below the soil about 2-inches or so. If the roots are dry, then it is okay to water the plant. Also, make sure that you choose a planter with drainage holes as this prevents the roots from sitting in excess water, which can cause rot.
Don’t Worry About Fertilizer
You don’t need to fertilize your plants much if at all during the winter. The reason is because growth is naturally at its slowest. Wait until the spring when your plants start growing again to resume with feeding.
