Winter is formally rolling in across the country, and there's a chance that you might be noticing your houseplants having a bit of a slump. With the temperature and light changes, limp leaves, slower growth and droopy stems are pretty common right now. But, don’t panic! There's a few tweaks you can make to perk those plants right up for the darker season.
We've put together the 5 most common winter issues, and what you can do to combat winter plant problems! Follow this guide, and your houseplants will be thanking you!
1. Shorter Days = Less Light For Your Houseplants
Houseplants need bright light to create the energy they need to grow nice, lush and strong. Take a look around your home - is a once bright patch looking a little low on light? It's time for pizazz!
What to do:
- Grab an Instant Sun Grow Lamp or Instant Sun Grow Bulb to instantly replicate natural light for your houseplants.
- Move plants closer to a north-facing window. Group them if needed to stop shock from cold window glass.
- Rotate plants weekly to stop them leaning toward the light.
2. Less Light - Less Need for Water. Odds Are, You’re Overwatering
In winter, your plant’s growth slows down—and so does its thirst. So if you're still watering as frequently as in spring and summer, it's time to slow it down.
What to do:
- Plants will generally only need to be watered every 7-10 days in winter - even longer for succulents and desert plants!
- Some plants might have stodgy soil. Use your finger and always check the top 2–3cm of soil—if it’s still moist, wait.
- Add Support Pellets to your soil to improve water regulation in the soil.
- Smelly soil or yellow, mushy leaves? Check for root rot and repot if needed.
3. Your Heater Is Stealing Your Plant's Humidity
Just like heaters can dry out your skin, bar heaters, split systems, and even fireplaces can dry out the air indoors, especially in colder parts of Australia. That dry air leads to crispy leaves, especially for tropical plants.
What to do:
- Add a humidifier to your plant corner (or even a bowl of water nearby).
- Cluster plants together to boost ambient moisture.
- Pop humidity-loving plants in the bathroom every so often for a steamy spa session.
- Read our guide to humidity to learn how to increase humidity in your houseplants!
4. Your Plants Need Bioactive Goodness To Keep Growing
Don't worry, some houseplants will naturally go dormant in the cooler months. But most of them will still keep growing if you combine a Grow Light with We the Wild's Grow Concentrate. The bioactive ingredients are designed to work with your plant's natural function, so that it grows all year round.
What to do:
- Squirt Grow Concentrate in your water every time you water
- Prune off any crispy leaves or dead stems
- Avoid using chemicals fertilisers
5. Cold Winter Draughts = Shocked, Sad Plants
It's important to note that most plants love consistency. In winter, there can be some pretty hectic temperature fluctuations. A cold gust from an open door or sitting too close to a chilly window can shock your houseplants into drooping or dropping leaves.
What to do:
- Keep plants away from draughty spots and single-pane windows.
- Raise plants off cold tile or concrete floors using stands or trays.
- Don’t swing them between extremes—cosy one day, freezing the next.
Winter proof your plants with our Winter Growth Bundle!
Our Winter Houseplant Kit is the perfect kit to keep your plants thriving through winter. Combine this best selling kit with our Pest & Shine Kit to keep your houseplant leaves dust free and pest-protected!
