Winter plant care

Keeping your plants happy and healthy during the colder months. 

• Reduce your watering! Overwatering is the most common way we kill our plants during the winter. During the colder months, a lot of plants will go dormant and will not need as much water as they do during the rest of the year. Soil will stay damp for longer which is another reason to water less. Common signs of over watering are yellow leaves, dropping leaves or dark spots on leaves which can be a sign of root rot. Keeping plants in nursery pots with drainage holes will also mean you are less likely to over water. 
• Move plants away from radiators and draughty spots. Try to avoid drastic temperature changes - some plants are more sensitive to temperature changes than others. A common indicator will be leaves dropping. 
• You don't need to feed your plants in the winter, as previously mentioned, a lot of plants will go dormant so don't need food during tis time. 
• Plants that require more humidity may suffer while using central heating so look our for signs of dry, crispy leaves. Increase humidity by using a pebble tray ( fill a saucer with pebbles and water and sit your plants on top the pebbles) or group your plants together. If you need an extra boost you could invest in a humidifier if you feel you need an extra boost. 
• Fungus gnats are a common issue during the winter as the soil stays damper for longer and this is the environment that they will thrive. To help prevent this put gravel on to of the soil as a deterrent. Carnivorous plants like Drosera and Pinguicula are an effective flycatcher and the little flies get stuck to the leaves.  
• Depending on where your plants are, they may suffer if they aren't getting enough light during the shorter days. It may be necessary to move your plants closer to a window or maybe invest in some grow lights to give your plants some extra hours of light. Another way to help your plants grab as much light as possible is by cleaning your plants foliage regularly. Use a microfibre cloth, lukewarm water or even giving them a shower are all good ways to keep your plants clean. Showering your plants is also a good way to wash away any pests.
• Avoid repotting during the colder months unless absolutely essential to avoid shocking the plant. 

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