Caring for Indoor Plants When it's Snowing

Heavy snowfall is expected to hit the UK this week, with northern areas already adversely affected. Some parts of the country are forecast to fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius (eek!).

While our gardens lie under layers of white, indoor plants become extra special. But, despite living inside, houseplants are also affected by fluctuations in weather.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to make sure that your green friends survive the chill.

Temperature

Indoor plants tend to be adapted to tropical climates. Whilst the specific temperature they prefer will differ between specimens, as a general rule, you should keep your green friends somewhere between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

We advise looking at the specific conditions for each member of your collection and finding a nice middle-ground!

Tip: Consistency is key when it comes to plants, so watch out for drafts and keep your plants away from doors and open windows.

Watering

Indoor plants tend to require less water in winter. A common error for budding horticulturalists is to over-water their charges.

It's important find out how thirsty your specimen is. Some plants need to dry out completely before being watered. If this is the case, you should press down into the soil and make sure there’s no hidden moisture in its depths before taking action.

If you do have a naturally thirstier plant, you should monitor for the humidity levels in your home. When we turn the heating on, it saps the moisture from the air, which may lead to your plant drying out.

Check out - How to water small plants?

Light

Sunlight is an essential part of your plant’s diet. So, if you’ve noticed a drop in your mood during these gloomy days, imagine how your plants feel!

We advise taking some time to find the best sun-spots in your home. Your plants will thank you for being given a proper feed and they will dazzle under the spotlight - it’s a win-win.

Tip: Carefully wipe off any dust that may have gathered on your plant’s leaves. That way, your specimen will be able to absorb light more efficiently.

Pests

Less sunlight, artificial heat, and increased humidity from humidifiers, provide the ideal environment for pests such as spider mites and fungus gnats.

The most important thing is to monitor your plants and quarantine any affected members of your collection.

Tip: Wiping any visible pests off your plant and leaving it outside for a brief period, can be a quick and inexpensive way of warding off bugs.

We are currently compiling a more detailed post about common pests, so watch this space …