The hours of sunlight are shorter after the autumn equinox, so indoor plants are getting less natural sunlight. Scale back watering frequency. A good rule of thumb is to press a finger about 1” into the soil, if it is still damp, wait to water until it becomes dry to this depth.

Plant care basics for winter are a common topic around here, and our goal is to share with you our top tips before the coldest weather sets in.

Houseplants have different needs in the winter months. Most go dormant or slow their growth. This is known as dormancy. When a plant is not in active growth, giving it more water or fertilizer than it needs can cause damage.

Check out our pro tips for just-right plant care basics for winter.

Top 5 Plant Care Basics For Winter

1. Watering

The hours of sunlight are shorter after the autumn equinox, so indoor plants receive less natural light. Reduce watering frequency. A good rule of thumb is to press a finger about 1” into the soil. If it is still damp, wait to water until it becomes dry at that depth.

2. Feeding

During winter, plants enter a dormant stage, storing energy for spring growth. Hold off on fertilizing until spring, or dilute fertilizer to half the recommended strength.

3. Protect

Give plants plenty of sunlight, but keep them away from drafty areas and prevent leaves from touching cold windows. Rotate plants about a quarter turn at each watering to ensure even light exposure. Indoor air is drier during winter, so occasional misting or placing a humidifier nearby can help. Watch for pests and treat early to prevent spread.

4. Pruning

Just before the spring growth period is a good time to prune. For flowering plants, trim after blooming. For others, wait until late winter to remove dead leaves or rotted stems. Trim at leaf nodes if growth control is needed.

5. Soil

Plants rely on soil for nutrients, so maintaining a healthy mix is essential year-round. Depending on how long your plants have been in the same soil, it may need to be refreshed. If a plant struggles despite proper care, soil quality may be the issue. Replace it with a professional-grade mix. Keep the same pot size unless roots appear cramped, overly dry, or waterlogged.

Rely On Our Pros

When you purchase plants or pots in our store, we are happy to repot them for you. The service and soil are on us.

When sending you home with new plants, we make sure they are properly wrapped to protect against outdoor temperatures. Avoid leaving them in a cold car while running errands.

For a preview of what you’ll find at Studley’s greenhouse, visit our houseplants page. We ship nationwide, fresh from our greenhouse directly to your door.

Learn more about plant care and winter plant care tips.

My Pro Tip

Your grandma or mom may have told you it’s good to talk to your plants. While it might sound unusual, there is research exploring how sound, vibration, and music affect plant growth. It remains a debated topic, but one thing is clear: paying attention to your plants helps them thrive.

Whether you talk to them, sing, or play music, that extra care can only help. We love that Spotify even has a dedicated playlist called “Music For Plants.”

See you at Studley’s!