With daylight fading earlier each afternoon, your houseplants may struggle to get the energy they need. Even sun-loving varieties can find winter’s softer light a bit underwhelming. To help them thrive, try placing plants close but not touching bright windows, rotating them regularly so each side gets equal exposure, and gently cleaning dusty leaves to maximize light absorption. If a room still feels dim, a simple grow light can make a world of difference, offering your plants the boost they need until the sun returns in full force.

Adjust Watering

Winter slows everything down for houseplants, including how quickly they drink. With cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight, soil stays moist longer, and overwatering becomes one of the most common cold‑season mistakes. Before reaching for the watering can, take a moment to check the soil with your finger or a chopstick; if the top inch feels dry or the pot feels light, it’s usually a safe time to water. Pour slowly and evenly, allowing excess water to drain away so roots never sit in soggy soil. Most plants only need to watered every two weeks during the colder months.  Succulents can wait up to three weeks between watering.  Some cacti can go without water until spring.  A gentler, less frequent watering rhythm helps your plants stay healthy and prevents the root rot that often sneaks up during winter’s quiet weeks.

Boost Humidity 

When indoor heating dries out the air, many houseplants—especially tropical varieties—begin to feel the strain. Crispy leaf tips, drooping foliage, and slowed growth are all subtle signs that humidity has dipped too low. To give your plants a more comfortable environment, try grouping them together to create a natural pocket of moisture, placing a tray of water and pebbles beneath their pots, or running a small humidifier nearby. Even something as simple as moving plants away from heating vents can make a noticeable difference. A little extra humidity goes a long way toward keeping your indoor jungle lush through the coldest months.

Pause Fertilizer

As your plants settle into their slower winter rhythm, it’s the perfect time to pause fertilizing. With shorter days and cooler temperatures, most houseplants aren’t actively growing, which means they simply don’t need the extra nutrients. Feeding during this rest period can actually do more harm than good, leading to stressed roots or weak, leggy growth. Letting your plants take a break now allows them to conserve energy and prepares them to soak up fresh nutrients once spring’s brighter light returns.

Keep Temperature Consistent

Winter can create a roller coaster of indoor temperatures, and houseplants feel those shifts more than we might expect. Cold drafts from doors and windows, or bursts of hot, dry air from heating vents, can stress plants and lead to leaf drop or slowed growth. Try placing your plants in spots where the temperature stays consistent—away from drafty entryways, radiators, heat vents, or fireplaces. If a window feels chilly but offers great light, consider adding a sheer curtain or pulling the plant a few inches back to buffer the cold. The ideal temperature range is 18–24°C (65–75°F). Creating a stable, cozy microclimate helps your plants stay resilient throughout the season.

Limit Repotting

During the colder months, most houseplants enter a period of rest, slowing their growth to conserve energy. Repotting during this dormant phase can disrupt their natural rhythm and place unnecessary stress on their roots, which aren’t actively expanding or repairing themselves. Fresh soil and a larger pot may seem helpful, but plants are far better off waiting until spring, when longer days and renewed growth give them the strength to adjust to a new home. Holding off on repotting ensures a smoother transition and healthier roots in the long run.

Spot Problems Early

Even with thoughtful care, winter can still nudge your houseplants into the occasional rough patch. The key is catching small changes before they turn into bigger issues. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, especially when soil stays damp for too long. Crispy edges or browning tips usually point to low humidity, while sudden leaf drop can mean your plant is reacting to a cold draft or a quick temperature swing. Dry indoor air encourages spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale. Check the underside of leaves weekly and isolate any plant that shows signs of pests. If growth seems to stall, don’t worry — many plants naturally slow down in winter and will perk up again in spring. By paying attention to these gentle cues, you can adjust your care routine and keep your indoor garden thriving through the coldest months.