Did you know, your indoor plants are getting ready to slow down for Winter?
Houseplants actively grow between May-Sept, this is when your care routine tends to be a lot more demanding, depending on your plants of course! Watering and feeding, much like a real baby, have been your priorities as a plant parent, however, it's time for these to temporarily slow down.
From October onwards there are a few things you will need to change to your plant routines:
1. Move any plants away from any radiators. As much as some plants like the heat, radiators give off a strong dry heat, this isn't ideal, so try to move your plants directly away from any direct contact with the radiators.
2. Move your plants from any draft prone area's. Believe it or not, they will catch a chill!
I know we've told you not too hot and now not too cold, but when you do find the ideal place, it's best to gradually move your plant in stages. Going from one extreme to the next can shock your plant; and we don't want that!
3. Watering: Generally speaking; you will only need to water your plant once the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering is very common in the winter and it can lead to very sad times! For Succulents and Cacti, depending on your normal water routine, reduce this by double. Ie; If you normally water once every 2 weeks, water every 4 weeks instead.
4. Feeding: If you have been regularly feeding your plant throughout the summer, or you've recently repotted your plant with new compost, it's time to take a break. Your plants require less feeding as their growth will slow down over the winter months. Plant food will last, so if you have any leftover, keep it safe ready for next Spring!
5. Make the most out of sunlight: Plants are like humans, we love the sunlight and we need to make sure that we make the most out of it when it's out! For any plants that normally only like the shade, moving them to low light rooms will not be a problem over the darker months. Remember to rotate your plants every week to ensure that both sides are getting their fair share of Vitamin D.
6. Increase Humidity: With the central heating on, the air in your home will become dry very quickly. If your bathroom isn't filled already with plants, it's often a great place to move any humid loving plants in here so they can thrive in the moist air.
If this isn't an option a brilliant way is to add moisture is to use a plant tray, stones, and water. Place your stones/pebbles into the base of your tray, add water, and rest your plant on the top. Be sure that the plant pot isn't sitting in the water, just resting on the tops of the stones. The plant will be able to absorb moisture directly from the tray.
7. Keep pests at bay: Neem Oil is everything when you own house plants. It controls insects, mould, and fungal issues with house and garden plants. Mix two teaspoons of neem per gallon of water with a few drops of washing up liquid to allow the Neem oil to mix into the water. This solution can then be sprayed onto plants to end current attacks and to protect them. For your plants to feel the benefits ensure that you spray your plants every day, especially when under attack.
If you have any questions, you know where to find us!
