Keeping Your Houseplants Happy Through Winter (Without Overthinking It)

Look, I’ll be honest with you—winter is weird for houseplants. Mine always look a little sad around January, and for years I thought I was doing something wrong. Turns out, they’re just doing what plants do when there’s less light and the air feels like the Sahara Desert thanks to the heater running nonstop.

Here’s what’s actually helped me keep my plants thriving instead of just surviving.

The Light Situation

This one’s huge. Winter sun is weak, and your plants know it. I started dragging mine closer to the windows (my living room looks like a jungle now, but whatever), and it made a real difference.

One thing that surprised me: dirty leaves are basically like wearing sunglasses indoors. A quick wipe-down every couple weeks helps them actually use the light they’re getting. And if you’ve got a particularly gloomy spot? Those cheap LED grow lights on Amazon work better than you’d think.

Water Like You’re Half Asleep

Seriously—do less. The number one mistake I see people make (including past me) is watering on the same schedule they used in summer. Your plant isn’t growing much right now. It’s basically Netflix-and-chilling until spring.

Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s damp an inch down, walk away. I’ve killed more plants from kindness than neglect, and winter overwatering is the worst culprit.

The other thing I’ve learned: good soil makes this so much easier. When your soil has actual life in it—beneficial microbes and all that—it doesn’t get waterlogged as easily. The organic mixes with active biology (like what we use in our GreenGro products) just handle moisture better.

Humidity: Your Plant’s Best Friend

Indoor heating is brutal. My calatheas were crispy until I figured this out. Group your plants together—they create their own little humidity bubble. Or put them on trays with pebbles and water. Not rocket science, but it works.

I also keep a small humidifier running in my plant corner. Game changer for the tropical stuff.

Go Easy on the Food

Your plants aren’t hungry like they are in summer, but their roots are still alive down there. Think of winter feeding like making them tea instead of a four-course meal.

I do a light dose of biological nutrients—something gentle like Green Aminos  —once a month. It keeps the soil biology active without pushing growth the plant isn’t ready for. Honestly, it’s more about maintaining what’s there than forcing anything new.

Temperature Swings Are the Enemy

Don’t put plants next to heating vents. Don’t leave them pressed against freezing windows. Seems obvious, but I’ve done both and regretted it.

Most houseplants want it somewhere between 65-75°F and consistent. They hate surprises.

Keep Things Clean

With windows closed all winter, air doesn’t move much. Dust settles, pests get comfortable. Every few weeks, I wipe down leaves with a damp cloth. Takes five minutes and prevents a lot of problems.

For bigger plants, I use our Spond Veggie Wash Pods diluted in water—makes a gentle cleaning solution that doesn’t stress the leaves.

The Soil Life Thing

This is where I’ve become kind of a nerd about it. Healthy soil isn’t just dirt—it’s alive. The beneficial bacteria and fungi in there are literally helping your plant’s roots absorb nutrients and fight off disease.

In winter, I keep those microbes fed with periodic watering of something like BioMend Plus  . It’s basically probiotic for your plants. Sounds extra, but it’s made a noticeable difference in how resilient my plants are.

Bottom Line

Winter plant care isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing different. Less water, more light awareness, and supporting what’s already there instead of forcing growth.

Your plants don’t need to just limp through to spring. With a few adjustments and soil that’s actually working for you, they can look just as good in February as they did in July.


Want to set your plants up for success?

 We’ve spent years developing organic soils and biological products that actually work with your plants’ natural systems—especially helpful during the challenging winter months.

Use code WINTERCARE15 at checkout for 15% off your order of indoor essentials.

 Your plants will thank you!

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