With the outdoor yard work done or stopped by the snow it is time to pay some attention to our houseplants.
As the days get shorter you may notice growth and blooming slowing down. For most houseplants winter is a time for rest, although there are a few exceptions, such as the Thanksgiving cactus now setting buds. With the slowdown in growth there are a few things you can do to to bring your houseplants through the winter.
As growth slows down cut back on watering and fertilizing. More plants are killed by overwatering than by under watering, especially in winter. Plants that are already in a dimly lit area should be moved into a brighter spot. Days are short and they are getting much less light than during spring and summer.
The air in our homes gets dry as we heat our homes. The dry air will encourage any insect pests on your plants that may have been under control in summer to have a population explosion, especially if any plants were outside for the summer and then brought indoors to join the rest of your houseplants.
Monitor your plants carefully for insect pests. Try to keep houseplants in a cooler area rather than close to a heat vent or baseboard heater. Grouping plants creates a microclimate with higher humidity. A fine misting spray bottle used around the plants also helps increase humidity.
Winter is not a good time to root cuttings or to repot plants. These are activities best saved for late winter and early spring when days get longer and growth resumes. However, this is a good time to flush excess fertilizer from the pots by watering until water runs out the drainage holes. Allow water to drain completely, and do not allow water to sit in the saucer.
Removing dust from the foliage with a shower of cool water helps the leaves photosynthesize during the short winter days. The shower will also help to rid the plants of any pests trying to get established.
The next article will deal with specific pests and diseases on houseplants.
Horticulturalist Mary Wright has lived in Denare Beach for over 20 years. She shares her passion for gardening with Flin Flon readers every second Wednesday in The Reminder.
