Protecting your plants: Surviving winter's dry indoor climate
The autumn-winter months are challenging for plants. This is primarily due to the heating season, during which plants lack humid air and natural light. How can you assist them during this time?
The heating season can be quite challenging for houseplants and their owners. Dry air and elevated temperatures can negatively impact their well-being. So, how can you provide your plants with the optimal conditions during this difficult period?
How to take care of potted plants during the heating season?
The first thing to focus on is air humidity. Intensive heating in homes makes the air dry, adversely affecting plants. Many potted plants originate from tropical climates, with much higher air humidity. To increase humidity, it's helpful to place water containers on radiators or near plants, and to use humidifiers.
How to help your plants during the heating season
Another challenge is elevated temperatures. Plants positioned too close to heat sources can suffer not only from high temperatures but also from sudden temperature changes. Plants should be kept away from radiators and heaters. The ideal solution is to find them a place with stable temperature conditions. Using protective covers can also be beneficial.
For many plants, limited access to natural light in winter is a concern. Additional lighting, such as LED lamps, can significantly improve the situation, as they emit light of suitable intensity. Moving plants closer to windows is another way to provide extra light, but they should not be placed directly on windowsills where they might be exposed to cold drafts.
Watering plants during the heating season is crucial as well. It should be done carefully to prevent overwatering. Keeping the leaves clean is important to ensure the pores stay unclogged, allowing the plants to "breathe." It's also beneficial to give the plants a bath once a week. Place the pots with plants in a bathtub and gently spray them with water.
