As the days get shorter and the atmospheric condition chill down , it ’s sentence to start intend about protecting houseplants from the cold weather . Unfortunately , many gardeners make common mistakes that can cease upharming their plant .

Learn about some of the most common houseplant error hoi polloi make in winter and how to stave off them . If you ’re worried about your plants ' safety during this chilly season , read on for helpful tips !

1) Misunderstanding Lighting and Watering Relationship

effigy credit : Maya Kruchankova via Shutterstock

One of the most coarse error people make whengrowing houseplantsis that they do n’t understand the relationship between lighting and watering . Most plants ask bright , collateral light to boom , which can be tricky to furnish in the home .

Just like humanity need food to pull round , industrial plant need light to survive . The amount of light your houseplant receives will determine its maturation charge per unit . The high the sunlight , the gamy the growth . Although , ensure you say up on your specific plant diversity as somethrive in the dark cornersof your home .

Gardening tools in a basket

Most gardener tend to miss the fact that mellow light consumption by star sign plants results in high water aspiration . This means that in summertime where there is more sun , plants will demand more water to balance thing out and vice versa .

Also , If you do n’t have direct sunlight , you may also tryindoor lighting or grow light . This winter , commend to cut back on watering your plant babies !

2) Watering With a One-Size-Fits-All Care Approach

figure credit : Huy Phan via Pexels

Whenwatering houseplants , you’re able to not cover all of them the same way . Different plants have unlike tearing motive , and using the same method can do more harm than good .

For example , succulents and cactineed very little water , and overwatering these plants can lead to solution rot and fungal growth . On the other hand , works native to tropical region , such as ferns and medal , need more frequent watering .

White picket fence in the front yard

tropic works prefer humid condition , so let them dry out too much can damage their leaves . Thebest room to irrigate your houseplantsis to ensure the grease before watering . If the top inch of soil is dry , then it ’s time to water your plants .

3) Using Fertilizers

figure credits : Hanbo Wang via Pexels

A small amount of fertilizer is unspoiled , but too much fertilizer for a house plant life is a bad call . Applying fertilizer too often or too high of a density can damage plants , resulting in problem such as icteric leaves , scrawny emergence , and ascendant burn . In utmost cases , it can even kill the plant .

Only by giving plant theright kind of fertilizerwith the right part sizes can you help ensure their wellness for years to come . But during the wintertime most plant go through a dormant period where fertilizing may not be unneeded . Always do your inquiry on your specific plants to know what is good .

Elephant ears with stunning large foliage

4) Not Looking Out for Compact Soil

persona credits : Iryna Imago via Shutterstock

Most people tend to ignore obtuse and closely - compact stain . Compacted grunge can apace become waterlogged , preventing root word from get the oxygen they need to raise .

In addition , compacted soil is more potential to shield pest and diseases , which can damage or toss off plants . For these understanding , it is all-important to aeratecompacted soilbefore planting theatre flora . It ’s also a proficient musical theme to go around your house andaerate your houseplantsfrequently when they are pot . An well-off path to do this is by poke at the soil with a chopstick .

House plants on window

This can be done with a garden fork or cultivator and will facilitate ensure that your plants get the best possible commencement .

5) Leaving Dust on the Leaves

persona credit : Stanislav71 via Shutterstock

Dust can clog a plant ’s pores , forestall it from taking in the oxygen and piddle it needs to survive . Over time , this can lead to severe wrong and even death . By having a layer of dust on your houseplant foliation , your hold back the plant life from sway out photosynthesis .

This is whywiping down your plantsregularly with a moist cloth is crucial . This will aid murder rubble body-build - up and keep your plants good for you and happy .

green house plants by window in winter

6) Wrong Placement of Plants

One common mistake is when gardeners put houseplant too tight to heating vents or windows . While the extra warmth may benefit some plants , others will brook from the drafts .

In addition , plant that are close to windows can be injured by cold terms . To avoid this move your plants away from the windowpane about two feet .

By giving them the right amount of brightness and heat , you ’ll make a perfect place for them to mature .

Potted Green Indoor Plants

7) Over Watering

Image credits : Cottonbro studio apartment via Pexels

Whenwatering your sign plants , more is not always better . Overwatering is one of the most common ways that hoi polloi kill their houseplant . Overwatering can make the root to molder , which prevents the plant from taking up body of water and precede to wilting leaf or sometimes disease .

This is why it is essential to excise a balance and annul overwatering your houseplants .

Pachyphytum oviferum succulent plant growing in pot placed on windowsill

8) Under Watering

Image credit : Teona Swift via Pexels

One of the most important things to remember when caring for houseplant is never to permit them go too long without water . While it may seem like they can get by on very little , the reality is that even a little drouth can cause irreparable damage .

The root of the plant are creditworthy for drawing up piss and nutrient from the soil , so when they become dry out out , the plant life will speedily degenerate . The leaves will lose their color and begin to deteriorate off .

person repotting houseplant

This is why it ’s of the essence to water them adequately , but verify you do n’t go overboard . Creating a lachrymation schedule can be very helpful for forgetful gardeners .

9) Avoid Containers Without Drainage Holes

Another all-important thing to think of when pot plant is to ensure the container has drainage holes . Now , this is n’t just a tip for winter , this should be the event for all houseplant to avoid them sitting in standing water .

Most houseplants are n’t a fan of wet feet and making this error can invite pests and molder . The holes make room for excess water to drain , preventing the plant from becoming waterlogged .

With a Little Extra Care, Your Plants Will Thrive

Cleaning the leaves of hoya

Variety Of Green-leafed Plants

Close-Up Shot of a Hand Watering Plant

person watering green houseplant at home

Exotic Philodendron houseplants plant with green and pink leaves