{"id":47961,"date":"2022-12-19T07:00:06","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/?p=47961"},"modified":"2023-02-24T14:14:27","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T20:14:27","slug":"caring-for-your-houseplants-in-the-winter-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/caring-for-your-houseplants-in-the-winter-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring For Your Houseplants in the Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not as dramatic as the snowy changes outside, the climate in our homes shifts during the winter as well. As houseplants enter dormancy and the humidity and sunlight decline, we have to care for our rooted friends differently. Here&#8217;s a guide to keeping your indoor garden thriving during the cold winter!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Reduce Watering as Needed\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many houseplants slow down and take a rest during the winter, sometimes due to declining sunlight, and other times because it&#8217;s a natural period of dormancy. As a result, they need less water, so we must change our water routine. The best way is to decrease the frequency of water, not the amount each time. A good soaking less often is always better than frequent small spurts.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><i>Keep in Mind:<\/i><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the furnace on, the soil surface dries out more quickly, but don&#8217;t be fooled by appearances. Stick your finger in the soil 1-2 inches to determine if the soil is dry below the surface. If it&#8217;s still moist, wait a couple more days before watering.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-47965 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/checking-houseplants-leaves-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/checking-houseplants-leaves-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/checking-houseplants-leaves-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/checking-houseplants-leaves-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-480x320.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/b><\/h3>\n<h3><b>Find a Little More Light\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though they&#8217;re inside, houseplants are as connected to the sun as any tree or <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/great-shrubs-for-privacy-shade\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shrub<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outdoors. As the winter sunlight wanes, they can struggle to get enough energy. To help, move them closer to the window or a brighter spot with south or western exposure. If that&#8217;s not enough, here are some other care tips to give them more light:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dust the leaves:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without any rain indoors, dust quickly accumulates on houseplants, blocking their access to air and light. Solution? Wipe away the dust to give them more access to the life-giving rays.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rotate them:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> turn them 1\/4 each time you water so the sunlight can reach all the leaves; this also prevents houseplants from leaning toward the window.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Clean the windows:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a layer of dust or grime on windows also blocks the amount of sunshine entering the house. Your houseplants will thank you for a clearer view of the outdoors!<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grow lights:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they&#8217;re really struggling for light, you can supplement the sun with indoor grow lights.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-47968 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/humidifier-for-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/humidifier-for-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/humidifier-for-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/humidifier-for-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-480x320.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/b><\/h3>\n<h3><b>Increase the Humidity\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the furnace warming our homes, the humidity can easily take a dive, sometimes down to 20%. Except for <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/how-to-keep-your-cactus-looking-sharp-in-winter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cacti<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, most houseplants prefer a tropical feel of at least 50%. Curled, crispy leaves and brown edges are all signs that they could use more humidity. Here are some common solutions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Buy a humidifier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to place near the plants.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Group your plants together:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the transpiration from their leaves lends moisture to the other plants around them.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Set them up on a tray<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with pebbles and water. The pebbles allow the pots to sit above the water, so they don&#8217;t get root rot. Meanwhile, the water in the tray slowly moisturizes the air through evaporation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Avoid Fertilizing During the Winter\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since most houseplants are not growing much during the winter, you don&#8217;t need to fertilize them. It&#8217;s better to start fertilizing again in the spring when they wake up from their slumber. New shoots and leaves are signs that they&#8217;re starting to grow again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-47966 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/hanging-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/hanging-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/hanging-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/hanging-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-480x320.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/b><\/h3>\n<h3><b>Keep Them Away from Hot and Cold Fluctuations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cold blast from an open window or door can startle a houseplant during the winter and even cause them to lose leaves. Likewise, a warm draft from a furnace vent or fireplace can suck up the moisture from their leaves and pot. It&#8217;s best to be careful of temperature extremes and keep them away from open doors, cold window panes, and heat sources.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Save the Pruning and Repotting for Later\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s best to<\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/houseplant-repotting-explained\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> repot them during the growing season<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so the roots can fill the new pot. Likewise, it&#8217;s best to prune them during the spring or summer. During the winter, let them relax and enjoy the slow season.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/platthillnursery.com\/r0wxmrag49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-47963 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/wiping-houseplant-leaves-newsletter-subscribe-button-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-1024x339.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"339\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/wiping-houseplant-leaves-newsletter-subscribe-button-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-1024x339.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/wiping-houseplant-leaves-newsletter-subscribe-button-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-980x324.jpg 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/wiping-houseplant-leaves-newsletter-subscribe-button-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago-480x159.jpg 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/339;\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more tips on <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taking care of houseplants in the winter<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including any questions on specific plants, visit our garden centers in Carpentersville and Bloomingdale!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago\u2019s premier garden center and nursery.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although not as dramatic as the snowy changes outside, the climate in our homes shifts during the winter as well. As houseplants enter dormancy and the humidity and sunlight decline, we have to care for our rooted friends differently. Here&#8217;s a guide to keeping your indoor garden thriving during the cold winter!\u00a0\u00a0 &nbsp; Reduce Watering [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":348,"featured_media":47964,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102,971,1180],"tags":[108,1779,1778,109,1774,1772,1771,1777,1226,1386,1775,1773,1776],"class_list":["post-47961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-houseplants","category-how-to","category-newbie-gardener","tag-bloomingdale-garden-center","tag-bloomingdale-houseplants","tag-buy-houseplants-in-carpentersville","tag-carpentersville-garden-center","tag-do-i-fertilize-my-plants-in-winter","tag-growing-houseplants-in-winter","tag-how-to-care-for-houseplants-in-winter","tag-indoor-plant-care-winter-time","tag-platt-hill-nursery","tag-platt-hill-nursery-chicago","tag-watering-houseplants-in-winter-season","tag-winter-houseplant-sunlight","tag-winter-season-care-for-indoor-plants"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47961"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47961\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}