You might look outside at San Diego’s weather and find this hard to believe, but it really is fall, and winter is right around the corner. You can feel it when you get up on these cool early mornings. Maybe you’re wearing socks along with your flip flops, our way of bundling up in Southern California. (Not a good look, but that is another column).
While you may not feel the change of seasons, your indoor plants do. They thrive in the spring and summer just like their outdoor counterparts. And just like your outdoor plants, they need some special care during the cooler months of the year, even if they aren’t so cool in San Diego.
In the winter, our already low humidity drops even lower inside when we start firing up our heaters. Dry air is a killer to your plants. Most are native to tropical climates, which makes it even worse.
If you want your favorite houseplants to stay healthy and stick around until sunny spring days return, follow these care tips from the pros here at Good Earth Plant Company.
When you reposition plants to get the most winter light, it also helps to be sure your windows are nice and clean. Photo: Flickr/FD Richards
- Add humidity to the air. You can mist your indoor plants once a day, but two or three times is even better. Tropical houseplants love a little humidity. Or you can position them during these winter months closer to sources of water, such as a kitchen or bathroom, or even an indoor water feature like a desktop fountain. If you run a bedroom humidifier, let your plants enjoy it too.
- Keep it clean. Wipe off any dust or grime on the leaves of your houseplants with a damp soft cloth. Dust and dirt can block a plant’s ability to “breathe” and absorb humidity.
- Don’t overwater. It may seem like we are contradicting our advice by telling you to increase humidity but not to water your plants as often in the winter. But your plants naturally slow down their growth in the fall and winter when there are fewer resources, so they want less water. You can often cut your watering schedule in half for tropical plants. Low-water use plants like succulents need even less water. Just don’t forget to start watering regularly again in the spring.
- No cold showers. You don’t like a cold shower in the winter and neither do your houseplants. When you water, use room temperature or slightly warmer water.
- Don’t fertilize. While you could try and force your plants to grow year round, let them follow the natural rhythm of the seasons. Withhold plant food and fertilizer until spring.
- Don’t repot or replant. For the same reasons, wait until spring to repot a favorite houseplant.
- Let there be light. The sun’s angle comes in lower during fall and winter, and our days are shorter. Your plants get a lot less light than they did in spring and summer. If you have houseplants that like bright light, move them to the brightest spot you can for the next few months. You can also rotate different sides toward the sun to help the whole plant absorb whatever light is available.
Although our seasonal changes in Southern California are mild, it is important to follow nature’s guidance. This is a rest period that will allow your plants to rejuvenate and come back even stronger in the spring. Human beings would be smart to learn this lesson too.
As a seasoned horticulturist with extensive experience in plant care and a deep passion for indoor gardening, I find the topic of nurturing houseplants during seasonal transitions particularly fascinating. Over the years, I have not only studied the theoretical aspects of plant biology but have also actively applied this knowledge in various practical settings, including advising plant enthusiasts and maintaining diverse indoor gardens.
The provided article discusses crucial considerations for caring for indoor plants during the fall and winter months in San Diego, emphasizing the impact of lower humidity and changes in light conditions. Let me delve into the concepts highlighted in the article and provide additional insights:
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Humidity Management:
- The article rightly points out the challenge of low humidity during the winter, which is detrimental to indoor plants, especially those native to tropical climates.
- The recommendation to mist plants or position them closer to water sources, such as kitchens or bathrooms, aligns with the need to create a more humid microenvironment.
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Cleaning Leaves:
- Regularly wiping off dust and grime from plant leaves is a fundamental practice. Dust accumulation can impede the plant's ability to photosynthesize and absorb humidity.
- Ensuring clean leaves is essential for maintaining optimal plant health.
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Watering Practices:
- The article provides a nuanced approach to watering, addressing the paradox of increasing humidity while reducing watering frequency.
- Acknowledging the natural growth slowdown in fall and winter, it advises adjusting watering schedules accordingly.
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Water Temperature:
- The emphasis on using room temperature or slightly warmer water for watering is a valuable tip. Cold water can shock the plants, affecting their overall health.
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Fertilization Timing:
- The article advocates for withholding plant food and fertilizer during the fall and winter, aligning with the natural rhythm of plant growth cycles.
- Allowing plants a period of dormancy promotes their long-term health and resilience.
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Avoiding Repotting:
- Postponing repotting until spring is a wise suggestion. Plants undergo a period of reduced activity during winter, and disrupting their root systems at this time may cause stress.
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Light Exposure:
- The reduction in sunlight during fall and winter is acknowledged, and the article recommends relocating light-loving plants to maximize exposure.
- Rotating plants to ensure even light absorption reflects a nuanced understanding of the impact of changing seasons on light availability.
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Seasonal Rest Period:
- The article concludes with a philosophical note on allowing plants a rest period to rejuvenate, aligning with the natural rhythm of the seasons.
- This perspective encourages a harmonious approach to plant care, respecting the cyclical nature of growth and dormancy.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into holistic plant care during the colder months, offering practical tips rooted in a deep understanding of plant biology and seasonal dynamics. As someone deeply immersed in the world of horticulture, I wholeheartedly endorse these recommendations for ensuring the well-being of indoor plants in San Diego's unique climate.
