The winter months can become a challenge for plants indoors who now have to adjust with many contributors that can deter growth and sometimes their survival. Keeping them alive and happy involves many conditions like adjusting to the humility, change in temperature, sunshine and other reasons that contribute to their well-being. In this post we will look into some contributors that affect the growth of the plant during the cold season and how to overcome these challenges by implementing the right conditions to sustain their health for their growth.
Preparation for Winter
As you prepare the plant to adjust to the winter temperature it is best to remove all the damaged leaves. This allows the plant to focus its energy on the regrowth of new stems and limbs instead of allowing its energy to be focused on unproductive parts. The leaves are very important for the absorption of sunlight to help with the process of photosynthesis. The removal of excess debris helps with this absorption process so there will be little chance of the sunshine being blocked from the plant.
Knowing what your plant needs is important to keep them happy and that means choosing the best location. Some plants love filtered light while others prefer direct sunlight. Placing them in the right location will help to keep them health. While it is a difficult time for the plants during the winter season one way to help with this adjustment is to gradually have them climatized to the new environment. Adjusting the humidity in the home gradually is an important step in keeping them healthy.
The Important Role of Photosynthesis
Sunlight plays is an important contributor to the production of photosynthesis which is limited in the cold months with shorter days producing less sunlight. This slows down the production of energy the plants need for their growth and development. You will notice that during the winter months there is less need to fertilize and to water them as growth is slower and in some cases growth it stops entirely. As a method to combat this deficiency some plants prepare by shedding their leaves as they prepare to become dormant during the winter season.
Temperature Fluctuations
Although the plants are sheltered indoors from the direct cold. It is impossible to prevent cold draft from windows and doors. Your plants could be in an area that has direct access to the cold air and will need to be removed to a location if they are directly affected. The central heating system is a contributing factor by producing dry air which affects the humidity in the home.
The dry air can be felt directly on the human body. Experiences of dry air produces many conditions like dry eyes, skin, headaches and sometimes nose bleeds. If the human body is being affected by these conditions, then surely the plants are experiencing similar changes which can be exhibited with these changes like leaf loss, yellowing and browning leading to stress and in some cases they will eventually die. Many have tried to adjust this condition by adding water to the plant and it is not what is required. Adjusting the humidity in the home may be the best method to assist the plant.
Pests Control
Insects that would normally find other plants outdoors are forced to find food elsewhere. They will choose what is convenient to them and that means your home and the plants that you are caring for. It is important to check for any signs of web structures or some type of sticky residue that could have taken over your plant. Plants that are exhibiting signs of stress which can be seen through it leaves one way to relieve the plant is to remove the leave so it can reduce the energy required to focus on the other areas that are productive. This procedure may be overlooked at times. The leaves are essential for the distribution of light in photosynthesis and at times dust and other debris are collected and prevents the light from being fully absorbed by the plant. Removing all dust and debris helps to facilitate light absorption in the plant.
Repotting and Pruning
Avoid any form of repotting and do less pruning during these seasons. The plant is already going through an adjustment adding anything additional will add more stress and overwhelm its condition. Unless it is necessary and it is only a light pruning. It is best to choose a warmer periods like in the summer and fall season would be more a accommodating time to prepare the plant for these changes.
Understanding the Uniqueness of Each Plant
Each plant has its own uniqueness to it’s survival, history and origins. Some with are vibrant in colour and shape and will require more attention. Others originated in desert climate like cactus and succulents and have the ability to survive with minimal water. The water they absorb are stored in their leaves which they use when needed. Plants like the African violet blooms on an annual basis. Others have the ability to climb and will trail along anything. Our Aquatic plants like watercress love water and these you will observe some are generally used in aquariums where they do well.
Plants will thrive very well as along as the environment they are in is similar to where they originated. The fern plant is a good example of a plant that thrives in damp humid conditions. They are great on rocks where there is a substantial amount of rainfall and not placed in direct sunlight. They prefer the thickness of a forest setting where the trees above them create the shade which they need.
Many people have a love for tropical plants and as the name suggest they need an environment that exhibits that type of condition. Heat and humidity seem to be the best in most cases. Being consistent to maintain the proper temperature ranging from 20 degrees Celsius and above should be considered especially if the plant originated in a very hot climate. You may need to make these adjustments before taking your plants indoors or before purchasing them. It is important to have a good understanding of the care of these plants before bringing them indoors or to your home.
Maintaining the Soil
As the plant continues with its adjustment of the cold season, it is important to keep the soil well maintained. Some ways of helping with some of these adjustments is to keep it well- drained to avoid any unhealthy roots that may develop. By adding fillers like gravel and sand this will help to drain away any excess water that may accumulate. Or by adding woods chips this will keep the moisture into the plant, and it is a method of reducing the amount of water needed by the plant.
I have discovered that by using a fork to gently stir the soil this will allow oxygen to help with the process of aeration. You are essentially mimicking the job the earthworm does with this movement in the soil. By reducing the amount of fertilization in the wintertime is also helpful. The plant is almost in a dormant stage and will not require this until spring or summer. Unless you are faced with a situation where you have noticed that the plant needs help then a little can be used to give it some boost.
Enhancing Lighting for Indoors
Maximizing the lighting indoors helps with the growth of the plant. If your home has does not have enough light one way to improve is to use sheer window curtains or supplement with artificial lights. Grow lights should be used to provide the necessary lighting when the sunlight in the home is insufficient to sustain the growth and health of the plants. They will provide the necessary spectrum the plants require so the process of photosynthesis will continue and make it possible to able to produce the energy it requires for growth. Another method is to place the plant near windows that can transfer the natural sunlight to it. Some considerations will need to be adhered as the glass can sometimes act as a magnifier and transferral of heat causing some damage to the plant. Or you may want to keep the plant there for a limited time to avoid wilting of the leaves and plant.
Implementing the Right Conditions
Although the plants are indoors and are prevented from the direct cold of the winter temperatures being indoors also has it own challenges. Implementing some changes will help in the prevention of losing your plants.
· Understanding the importance that sunlight plays with the growth and development of the plant. The solution to this is to add additional lighting by using a grow light to help or place the plant in direct or indirect sunlight for a few hours during the day.
· Keeping the plant in consistent temperatures. Avoiding areas where they are susceptible to the cold draft. By supplementing the room with a humidifier is important for their growth to avoid having a dry room.
· Avoid over watering of the plants. During the winter month they will not require the same amount of water as in the summer season. Reducing the amount of fertilizer is also helpful. Using room temperature water to keep the plant moist and avoid shock to the root system.
· Check your plants regularly for pest that can cause issues and isolate and treat immediately to avoid the spread of these insects.
· Refrain from repotting during the winter months. A better season would be spring or summer. Unless the plant is overwhelmed with issues pertaining to it root system. Remove any leaves that have changed in colour that will deter the plants health.
· Maintaining a good balance with the soil. Add fillers like sand and gravel to help with the drainage.
· Mulch added will help to keep the moisture in the plant and help with the reduction of water and the improvement of the root system.
Winter Friendly Plants
It is important to incorporate plants into you home not just for their visual appearance but also for their functionality and durability. Overlooking conditions like drought-tolerance, lighting, fluctuations in temperatures are some reasons why your plant may not be able to adapt to the winter weather. Another reason to consider is if the plant is able to improve the air quality especially when most of us have our doors and windows closed from the cold. The air quality can become stagnant, and some plants are able to assist in removing contaminants from the atmosphere and introducing oxygen. Spider plants are a good choice as they help to reduce contaminants and toxins from the atmosphere. They are also able to survive the fluctuations in temperatures in the home. They are drought-tolerant and require not much water to survive which makes them a good choice for a winter plant. The Chinese Evergreen ( Aglaonema ) is a beautiful plant and adds beauty to any room with its variegated green leaves. It is a tropical plant found in countries like India, Cuba, Philippines and other Caribbean areas this plant will be a good addition to any home. The Chinese Evergreen is able to adapt to minimal light and does not require much water in the winter season but can be sprayed with a light mist. It is able to adjust to the fluctuations in humidity. It will not require any fertilizers and as long as the plant is being cared for expect it to bloom in any season.
Christmas Cactus will make a great choice as a winter plant which generally blooms in the Christmas season although many have stated that they have also bloomed in other periods. It is generally a plant that blooms very beautiful flowers in pink, white, and red which adds beauty to the home. Caring for the plant is easy, it is able to adapt to various temperatures and humidity. It requires little water and has the ability to live for long periods provided it is gets the proper care. Using indirect sunlight is best or filtered light will work best for this plant. Misting the plant or using a humidifier to help during the winter season will be helpful.
Pothos This is a favourite among a lot of people and one of the reason is it is easy to grow and to propagate. You can just take off a piece and add it to water and it will grow easily. It is adaptable to fluctuations in temperature, it does not require much light, and it is drought- tolerant which makes it a good choice as a winter plant. They can be found in any variations like Golden Pothos with leaves exhibiting colours of yellow and green, Marble Queen in colours of white and green the Neon Pothos having bright green leaves and the Jade Pothos with dark green leaves. Having the pothos plant is great for the home because of its ability to remove toxins which keeps the atmosphere clean.
Despite the harsh conditions endured during the winter season it is possible to keep our plants alive. By making some simple adjustments to your home. Your plants will survive by improving the lighting and making an investment in grow lights or rotating plants to the sunny areas of the home will help to keep the process of photosynthesis activated to give them the energy they need to sustain plant life. With the introduction of a humidifier and making some adjustment to the temperature indoors will help the plant during this slow growth stage.
Plants during the slow growth stage will not require much water or additional feedings with fertilizers. Instead add a mist to help to control the dry air. By carefully selecting the plants that have a better survival for the cold season and the ones that are drought-resistant are better for the winter season. Make choices not just for aesthetics but for functionality. In this way the plant will be providing a benefit to you and your home by improving the air quality. Be encouraged and selective that many plants do thrive in the winter season. It requires some care and adjustments during this season where our days of sunlight are at its minimum. It is a season to learn more about what each plant requires for nutrition in order to maintain its vibrance and productivity.
Knowing that this season only last for a few months gives us hope that spring is forthcoming in the future. Making these adjustments may be a bit inconvenient but it allows the plants to adapt to the humidity changes, less fertilizing with less water and in the long run it will allow you to enjoy the greenery it produces. It is not only a benefit to the plant life but also to human health. You may observe the changes in the atmosphere when the plants are vibrant and are thriving.
It is also beneficial to group your plants together as it allows them to interact with each other as companions. By adapting to these seasonal changes, the winter months will not be as challenging as before but will become a season where we have learnt to become adaptable and out plants can thrive.