How To Prepare Your House Plants For Winter

The signs of fall are upon us. It was pretty much over night here in Portland. 89 one day…60 the next. Rain, wind, and even a tiny tornado hit us. Every year right around this time, I start to see my house plants take a turn. They get a bit droopy and start to look a little sad. Luckily, I’ve figured out a pretty good system to prepare my house plants for winter and I’m going to share that with you today!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for details.

Pest Control

One of the first things I do to prepare my plants for winter is apply a pest control. I do this regularly, all year long, but especially now. Soil takes longer to dry out and because of that, you have a breeding ground for fungus gnats and other pests. I’ve used the same product for years. It’s Bonide Systemic Insect Control. It works wonders as a preventative! After incorporating the granules into the soil and watering them in, the product is absorbed by the roots where it moves through the plants to assist in protection against a variety of bugs. I highly recommend this product.

Easy on the Fertilizer

Plants are actively growing in the spring and summer, therefore, they need more food. In the fall and winter months, it’s time to go easy on the fertilizer. I typically do one last fertilizing water in mid September and then hold off on fertilizing again until March. I use a variety of fertilizers but this shaker, this foam pump, and this liquid are my faves.

Relocate Plants/ Add light

I don’t often suggest moving plants around too much, but this time of year, you need to chase the light. I move most of my plants in front of my south and west facing windows (or as close as possible). They are the windows with the most light. I also supplement with a grow light. This is the one I use but you can also use a bulb like this in a cheap lamp, you may even have an extra one lying around the house. I’ve listed some others that I use down below.

Water Less/Humidify

House plants will need less water in the winter months. With less light, soil takes a lot longer to dry out. Tools like moisture meters can be used to test the soil. You can also use a bamboo skewer in the soil to see how much the soil has dried. All plants are different, but I usually let most of my plants completely dry out. I tend to wait for signs of thirst before watering in the winter.

There’s argument whether humidifiers actually work to keep the humidity up for plants. I’m not an expert. But what I can tell you is that I have used one for about three winters in a row, and I continue to make it through winters with no casualties. Take a look below for humidifiers I use.

Be Prepared for Changes

Some house plants may struggle through the winter. In fact, you may get a few that don’t make it. If a plant isn’t doing well, try to trouble shoot the issues. Water, light, soil, and vents can all be factors. Be prepared for your plants to go through changes, but they should start to perk up again in the spring!

If you need any further assistance, feel free to DM me on IG. It’s the easiest and quickest way for me to respond. I love to help as much as I can so send those photos over and I’ll do my best!

Thanks for being here today.