{"id":65987,"date":"2026-02-03T14:52:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:52:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/?p=65987"},"modified":"2026-04-03T15:01:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:01:03","slug":"why-your-houseplants-struggle-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/why-your-houseplants-struggle-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Houseplants Struggle in Winter (And How to Fix It Fast)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;1815.4px&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1px||1px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;795.9px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your houseplants struggle in winter, you\u2019re definitely not alone. And you\u2019re not a bad plant parent, either. Winter houseplant problems happen because light levels drop, indoor air becomes extremely dry, watering habits don\u2019t adjust, and temperature swings stress plants out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago winters amplify all of this. Short days, gray stretches, sub-zero nights, and forced-air heating create an environment that\u2019s very different from the bright, humid conditions most tropical houseplants evolved in. What looks like a decline is often a plant responding to seasonal change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you give up on that droopy pothos or yellowing monstera, know that these problems are not permanent damage, but rather signals of your plants\u2019 needs.\u00a0 And when factors like light, humidity, water levels, or temperature are adjusted, plants typically stabilize and rebound as daylight returns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Winter Is Hard on Houseplants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every winter, a familiar pattern shows up indoors. Growth slows. Leaves fade. A plant that looked vibrant in late summer suddenly seems kind of sad-looking. It\u2019s easy to assume something has gone wrong,\u00a0 but in most cases, what\u2019s happening is seasonal and biological.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many houseplants enter a period of semi-dormancy during winter. They aren\u2019t actively growing the way they do in spring and summer. Instead, they conserve energy. With shorter days and weaker sunlight, photosynthesis slows down. Less light means less energy production, which means slower growth and reduced water use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Chicago, that shift is dramatic. Summer brings long daylight hours, bright sun, open windows, and natural humidity. Winter brings gray weeks, early sunsets, sealed windows, and constant furnace heat. The contrast is extreme. Plants that were thriving in abundant light are suddenly expected to adapt to a fraction of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor environments add another layer of stress. While homes feel comfortable to people, they\u2019re often artificial and inconsistent for plants. Light comes from one direction. Humidity drops sharply. Temperatures fluctuate near windows and doors. Air circulates differently once heating systems run nonstop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When people search for why houseplants die in winter or try to understand indoor plant problems in winter, the answer usually comes back to this combination: reduced light, slowed metabolism, and environmental stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(50,79,58,0.5)&#8221; min_height=&#8221;351.4px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|18px|32px|18px|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter Stress Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a plant seems off during winter, these are common seasonal symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaf drop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brown or crispy tips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow or stalled growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wilting despite moist soil<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These signs don\u2019t automatically mean a plant is dying. More often, they signal that the plant\u2019s environment has changed faster than its care routine has adjusted. Once the symptom has been identified, it becomes easier to care for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;314px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;13px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low Light Is One of the Biggest Winter Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among all winter houseplant problems, low light is usually the biggest factor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From November through February in Chicago, daylight hours shrink dramatically. The sun rises later, sets earlier, and never climbs as high in the sky. Even on clear days, the light intensity is lower than it was in summer. Add weeks of heavy cloud cover, and the cumulative effect becomes significant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A plant that thrived a few feet from a window in July may now be receiving a fraction of that light in January. What felt like a bright room in summer can become surprisingly dim in winter. Plants positioned deeper into a room are affected even more. Light diminishes quickly with distance, and in winter, that drop-off is dramatic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because light fuels photosynthesis, reduced exposure means reduced energy production. When energy drops, growth slows, and visible changes follow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(250,247,242,0.59)&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px|15px|15px|15px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs a Plant Isn\u2019t Getting Enough Light<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leggy, stretched-out stems reaching toward the window<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale or smaller leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Little to no new growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradual leaf drop, especially lower leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms often show up slowly, which makes them easy to overlook at first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;58.8px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast Fixes for Low Winter Light<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small adjustments can significantly improve conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;227.1px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;24px||5px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_icon font_icon=&#8221;&#xf185;||fa||900&#8243; icon_width=&#8221;50px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_4_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move plants closer to windows<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South- and west-facing windows provide the strongest winter light. Even shifting a plant a foot or two closer can increase exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_icon font_icon=&#8221;&#xf021;||fa||900&#8243; icon_width=&#8221;50px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_4_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotate weekly<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turning plants a quarter turn each week encourages balanced growth and prevents leaning toward one light source.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_icon font_icon=&#8221;&#xf5bd;||fa||900&#8243; icon_width=&#8221;50px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_4_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean dusty leaves<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust blocks light absorption. Gently wiping leaves with a damp cloth improves efficiency and gives plants a subtle boost.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_icon font_icon=&#8221;&#xe072;||divi||400&#8243; icon_width=&#8221;50px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_4_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider adding a grow light<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grow lights don\u2019t have to feel technical or intimidating. Many modern options are compact, energy-efficient, and simple to use. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When indoor plant problems in winter show up as stalled growth or leaf loss, increasing light is often the most effective first step. Once that foundational need is addressed, other adjustments become easier, and plants respond more predictably.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry Indoor Air and Heating Systems Stress Plants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light isn\u2019t the only shift plants experience in winter. Humidity changes just as dramatically (and often more abruptly).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once heating systems turn on in late fall, indoor humidity levels can drop to 20\u201330%. For people, that might mean dry skin or static electricity. For tropical houseplants, it\u2019s a significant environmental change. Most common indoor varieties evolved in regions where humidity regularly sits between 50\u201360% or higher.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago\u2019s indoor heating season is long. Furnaces run consistently for months, pulling moisture from the air day after day. Even homes that feel comfortable can be persistently dry from a plant\u2019s perspective. Over time, that prolonged dryness creates visible stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(250,247,242,0.59)&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;15px|15px|0px|15px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of Low Humidity Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brown leaf tips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crispy or curling edges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flower bud drop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased spider mite activity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms often get mistaken for watering issues. In many cases, the soil moisture is fine. It\u2019s actually the air that\u2019s too dry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6px||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast Fixes for Dry Indoor Air<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a humidifier<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most effective and consistent solution. A small room humidifier can raise humidity to a more comfortable range for plants and people alike. Even a modest increase can reduce brown tips and leaf damage over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Group plants together<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plants naturally release moisture through transpiration. When grouped, they create a small pocket of slightly higher humidity around themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/humidifier-for-houseplants-Platt-Hill-Nursery-Chicago.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;hydrangea fertilizer&#8221; title_text=&#8221;humidifier for houseplants &#8211; Platt Hill Nursery &#8211; Chicago&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; height=&#8221;341px&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||-5px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||29px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use pebble trays<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Placing pots on trays filled with pebbles and water (with the pot sitting above the water line) adds localized moisture as the water evaporates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep plants away from heat vents<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct blasts of warm air accelerate moisture loss from leaves and soil. Relocating plants just a few feet away from vents can reduce stress significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing humidity becomes one of the most important parts of winter plant care in Chicago. While existing leaf damage will not reverse, stabilizing moisture levels allows future growth to emerge stronger and more resilient. Small adjustments made consistently throughout the winter season can make a noticeable difference in how well plants carry through to spring.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overwatering and Underwatering Mistakes in Winter<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In winter, as daylight decreases, plant growth slows. When growth slows, water usage drops. Roots absorb moisture more gradually, and evaporation happens more slowly in cooler, darker conditions. The result is simple but easy to overlook: soil stays wet much longer than it did in summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If watering schedules remain unchanged from the growing season, roots can sit in moisture for extended periods. Over time, this increases the risk of root rot, which is one of the most common causes of serious winter decline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, some plants may still dry out near heat sources, leading to confusion. The surface of the soil may look dry while the lower root zone remains saturated. Without checking more deeply, it\u2019s easy to misread the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(50,79,58,0.5)&#8221; min_height=&#8221;241.9px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|18px|12px|18px|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of Winter Watering Problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mushy stems near the base<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wilting despite wet soil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent fungus gnats<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wilting in wet soil is an especially important clue. It often signals root damage rather than thirst.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;42px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast Fixes for Winter Watering<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-28px|auto||auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the soil before watering<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insert a finger about two inches into the soil. If it still feels moist at that depth, wait. Moisture meters can also help remove guesswork.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure proper drainage<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pots should always have drainage holes. Decorative containers without drainage significantly increase winter risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water less frequently (but not less thoroughly)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it is time to water, soak the soil completely until excess drains out. Then allow the plant to dry appropriately before watering again. Reducing frequency is more effective than giving small sips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use well-draining soil<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quality potting mix that allows airflow around roots helps prevent compaction and prolonged saturation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter watering requires a change in rhythm. Observing the soil rather than following a fixed schedule allows plants to move through dormancy without unnecessary stress. When moisture levels match reduced winter growth, stability returns, and a serious decline is far less likely.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>A good winter rule of thumb: when in doubt, wait a day or two before watering. Overwatering causes far more winter damage than underwatering.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temperature Swings and Drafts Cause Hidden Damage<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some winter houseplant problems aren\u2019t about light or watering at all\u2026 they\u2019re caused by sudden temperature shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a Chicago winter, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be extreme. On sub-zero nights, window glass becomes significantly colder than the surrounding room air. Even if the thermostat reads 70\u00b0F, the air right next to that window can drop quickly after sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plants placed close to windows, exterior doors, garages, or entryways experience these fluctuations firsthand. Warm air during the day, sharp cold exposure at night. Add in doors opening and closing or heat cycling on and off, and the environment becomes inconsistent.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many houseplants tolerate steady indoor temperatures well, rapid swings create stress at the cellular level. Leaves and stems aren\u2019t built for repeated cold shocks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(50,79,58,0.5)&#8221; min_height=&#8221;241.9px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|18px|12px|18px|false|true&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-e236d1b6-6b3c-4831-81af-bd97336e8fed%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of Temperature Stress<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden leaf drop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Darkened or blackened patches on leaves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wilted appearance overnight despite moist soil<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms often appear quickly, sometimes within a day or two of exposure to cold drafts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast Fixes for Draft and Temperature Damage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Move plants away from drafty windows&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even shifting a plant back a few inches can reduce nighttime cold exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Avoid placing plants near exterior doors&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entryways, mudrooms, and garage-access doors experience frequent temperature swings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Keep plants away from radiators and heating units&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct heat creates dry, fluctuating air that stresses foliage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Maintain stable indoor temperatures&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most tropical houseplants prefer a consistent range between 65\u201375\u00b0F. Stability matters more than hitting a specific number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;7px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Chicago, where winter temperatures often drop below zero, protecting plants from cold exposure is essential. Since they thrive on consistency, sharp shifts from warm afternoons to freezing window glass at night can cause stress. Even if a home feels comfortable, areas near windows and doors can form colder microclimates. Spotting and adjusting these subtle stress points helps prevent sudden decline.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Fix Winter Houseplant Problems Quickly<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing your plants in distress can feel concerning, especially if stress signs show up fast. But most issues are easy to correct with a few simple adjustments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(250,247,242,0.59)&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;22px|15px|13px|15px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter Houseplant Reset Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><b><\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Increase light<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move plants closer to bright windows or supplement with a grow light to offset shorter days.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reduce watering frequency<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering. Growth slows in winter, so moisture needs drop.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Raise humidity<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a humidifier, group plants together, or place pots on pebble trays to counter dry indoor air.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protect from drafts<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep plants away from cold window glass, exterior doors, and heating vents.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pause fertilizer until spring<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most houseplants are resting. Feeding now can do more harm than good.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, in many cases, healthy roots and stems will push fresh growth once light levels improve in spring. Damage does not automatically mean the plant is beyond saving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e%22:%91%22header_4_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;gcid-5f7f0dd5-babf-4035-8b66-fbaa682bff8e&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; header_3_text_color=&#8221;gcid-primary-color&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Houseplants That Are Easier to Care for in Winter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all plants respond to winter in the same way. While some tropical varieties struggle with every shift in light and humidity, others remain steady and adaptable. Choosing the right plant for the season can dramatically simplify houseplant care in a Chicago winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain varieties tolerate lower light, handle drier indoor air, and are less sensitive to minor watering inconsistencies. For homes with limited winter sun or active heating systems, these plants often provide a calmer, more predictable experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter-Tough Favorites<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Snake Plant (Sansevieria)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exceptionally adaptable to lower light conditions and very drought tolerant. Snake plants store water in their thick leaves, making them forgiving when watering schedules fluctuate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well suited to dimmer rooms and dry indoor air. Its waxy leaves reduce moisture loss, helping it remain stable through heating season.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pothos<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible and resilient. Pothos adapts to a range of light levels and bounces back well if watering isn\u2019t perfectly timed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cast Iron Plant<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">True to its name, this plant tolerates low light and inconsistent conditions better than most tropical varieties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philodendron<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many types handle moderate light and winter slowdowns gracefully, making them reliable for indoor collections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performs well in lower to medium light and manages indoor humidity fluctuations better than more delicate tropicals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What these plants share is adaptability. They don\u2019t demand intense sunlight during Chicago\u2019s gray months. They\u2019re less reactive to occasional dryness in the air. And they don\u2019t require precise watering to remain healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t Give Up on Your Plants This Winter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By the time February arrives, it\u2019s easy to feel discouraged. A few yellow leaves here, some stalled growth there, maybe a plant that looks nothing like it did in August. But winter decline rarely means permanent loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, houseplants struggle in winter for three predictable reasons: reduced light, dry indoor air, and watering routines that haven\u2019t shifted with the season. When those three areas are adjusted, stability usually follows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plants are remarkably resilient. Even if foliage has dropped or tips have browned, new growth often emerges strong once conditions improve and daylight begins to stretch longer in early spring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Platt Hill Nursery in Carpentersville, Bloomingdale, and Rockford, winter plant care is part of our everyday conversations. Our team can help you identify environmental stress, recommend practical solutions, and suggest varieties better suited to Chicago\u2019s colder months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If certain plants continue to struggle year after year, it may be time to explore winter-friendly options that naturally tolerate lower light and dry indoor air. Choosing plants that align with the season can transform winter from frustrating to manageable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore our winter plant care resources online, shop winter-friendly houseplants, or stop by and let us help you create an indoor space that thrives, no matter what the weather forecast looks like outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Winter-Join-Our-Mailing-List.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Winter Join Our Mailing List&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/platthillnursery.com\/r0wxmrag49&#8243; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your houseplants struggle in winter, you\u2019re definitely not alone. And you\u2019re not a bad plant parent, either. Winter houseplant problems happen because light levels drop, indoor air becomes extremely dry, watering habits don\u2019t adjust, and temperature swings stress plants out.\u00a0 Chicago winters amplify all of this. Short days, gray stretches, sub-zero nights, and forced-air [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":348,"featured_media":65988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[971,102],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-houseplants"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65987","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=65987"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65997,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65987\/revisions\/65997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}