Winter Houseplant Care
Houseplants struggle most in winter. Watering, light, temperature, heating, humidity and what to stop doing, following university extension advice.
Winter is when many houseplants are lost, usually to owners who keep doing what worked in summer. The University of Maryland Extension notes that many beginner gardeners have trouble with houseplants in winter, and that the number one reason is usually overwatering. Winter brings less light, shorter days, cold draughts and dry heated air, and the care has to change with it.
The biggest principle of winter care is do less. Here is what to change.
What happens to houseplants in winter
The University of Illinois Extension says that during the short days of winter plants go through a rest period. The University of Maryland notes that most plants grow more slowly in the winter months. A resting plant:
- Uses less water, so the mix stays wet for longer.
- Needs very little or no fertiliser (University of Illinois).
- Grows slowly or not at all, which is normal.
If a plant declines every winter, browse our houseplant care guides for species that cope better with low light.
Winter care: what to change
1. Water less, and check first
This is the most important change. The University of Maryland warns against assuming once a week is the right interval, and suggests letting most of the mix dry out in winter, “like a freshly wrung out dish towel”, not bone dry. Check before every watering: lift the pot to feel its weight, or push a stick to the bottom of a large pot and see whether moist soil clings to it. If a plant has dried out completely and the mix has shrunk from the sides of the pot, stand the pot halfway deep in a sink or bucket of warm water for an hour or two so it slowly takes up water again.
2. Stop fertilising
The University of Illinois says to fertilise only while plants are actively growing, generally between March and September, and that in winter plants usually need very little or no fertiliser. It adds that too much fertiliser can burn roots, especially when growth is slowed by dim light.
3. Make the most of the light
- Move plants closer to the window. The University of Maryland suggests moving plants closer to a light source, or adding artificial light, when light is too low; the University of Illinois notes that light conditions change through the seasons.
- Keep the leaves clean. The University of Illinois suggests washing foliage carefully with plain room-temperature water or a soft damp cloth, but not on plants with hairy leaves.
- Consider a grow light. In low light, the University of Illinois notes that plants can benefit from a longer day of 14-16 hours, but not more than 16 hours, because they need a rest period too.
4. Beware cold and draughts
The University of Illinois says most foliage plants prefer day temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (about 18-24 °C), with nights 5 to 10 degrees lower. It advises avoiding blasts of cold and hot air from windows, radiators, heating and air-conditioning vents, and taking special care near cold window panes, because cold glass can damage leaves. Clemson University’s Home & Garden Information Center notes that chilling can make plants drop leaves.
5. Keep plants away from heating
The same University of Illinois advice covers hot air from radiators and heating vents. Clemson adds that hot, dry air is one of the causes of brown leaf tips and edges.
6. Manage the dry air
The University of Illinois says most homes have less than 30 percent humidity in winter and some houseplants may suffer. It suggests a humidifier, setting plants on pebbles in a water-filled tray (with the pots not sitting directly in water), or grouping plants together, which raises the humidity around them. It also notes that misting does not always work well: it raises humidity only briefly, and too much misting can increase disease. Humidity-loving plants such as calatheas are the ones to watch.
7. Hold off on repotting
The University of Illinois says repotting is best done while the plant is actively growing, typically in spring or early summer. When the time comes, our repotting calculator helps you pick the pot size.
Winter problems and what they mean
- Yellowing lower and inner leaves - the main sign of too much water, according to the University of Maryland. Water less and check the mix first.
- Wilting in wet soil - the University of Maryland notes root rot can make a plant wilt even when the mix is wet, because the damaged roots cannot carry water.
- Leaf drop - Clemson notes some leaf drop happens when a plant’s surroundings change significantly, and it should last only about three weeks; chilling can also cause leaf drop.
- Spindly, stretched growth - not enough light (University of Maryland). Move the plant somewhere brighter or add a grow light.
- Brown, crispy tips - hot, dry air is one cause (Clemson). Raise the humidity and move the plant away from heat.
The winter mindset
Think of winter as your plants’ rest period. Water only when the mix needs it, give all the light you can, keep plants away from draughts and radiators, and otherwise leave them alone. When spring light returns and they start growing again, that is when to bring back feeding and repotting.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my houseplants dying in winter?
The University of Maryland says the number one reason is usually overwatering. Plants use less water while growth is slow, so check the mix before every watering.
Should I fertilise houseplants in winter?
Usually not. The University of Illinois says plants rest in the short days of winter and usually need very little or no fertiliser; feed while they are actively growing, generally March to September.
Is it normal for houseplants to lose leaves in winter?
Some leaf drop after a change of surroundings is normal and should last about three weeks (Clemson). Leaf drop after cold points to chilling, so check for draughts and cold glass.
Should I repot a houseplant in winter?
Wait for spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing (University of Illinois).
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension, Winter Indoor Plant Problems, Overwatered Indoor Plants and Low Light. Read 28 October 2026.
- University of Illinois Extension, houseplants: care, lighting, repotting. Read 28 October 2026.
- Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center, Houseplant Diseases & Disorders. Read 28 October 2026.
Recommended Gear on Amazon
- Full-spectrum LED grow light - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
- Plant humidifier - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
- Soil moisture meter - browse current options and reviews on Amazon.
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