How to Keep Indoor Plants Alive in Winter

Winter is tough on houseplants. Low light, dry air from heating, and cold drafts create the perfect storm for plant stress. Here's how to help your plants survive.

Central heating drops indoor humidity, daylight hours shrink, and cold windowsills become plant hazards. A few simple adjustments will keep your plants healthy until spring.

Temperature and Placement

Most houseplants prefer 15–25°C. Keep plants at least 20–30 cm away from cold window glass at night when temperatures drop. Never place plants directly in front of radiators or air vents.

Cut Back on Watering

Plants grow much slower in winter and need less water. Extend your watering interval by 1.5–2× compared to summer. Overwatering in winter is the most common cause of root rot — always check that the soil is truly dry first.

Boost Humidity

Maximize Light

Move plants as close to windows as safely possible. Clean dusty windows to maximize light transmission. For plants in darker spots, run a grow light 8–12 hours per day to compensate.

Stop Fertilizing

Plants in dormancy can't absorb nutrients efficiently. Fertilizing in winter causes salt buildup in the soil that can damage roots. Resume feeding in March or April when growth resumes.

Tropical plants like Monstera and Calathea are especially cold-sensitive. Keep them above 10°C at all times.