Winter care for houseplants

How to protect plants from heating, low light and cold drafts.

Updated on 2026-07-17 · 6 min

Winter is the most critical time for houseplants: short days, dry air from heating, temperature swings between rooms. With a few adjustments you bring them to spring in top shape.

Maximize light

Move plants toward windows. Clean glass and leaves. Consider grow lights: 12 hours a day of cool white LED light compensates for winter.

Reduce watering

With lower temperatures and short days plants use less water. Water only when the substrate is dry all the way down, not on schedule.

Fight dry air

Radiators drive humidity below 30%: disastrous for tropicals. Humidifier or group plants on trays with water and expanded clay.

Watch out for temperature swings

Do not place plants next to single-pane north windows (cold drafts) or above radiators (arid air). Ideal: 16–22°C, stable.