5 Ways to Take Care of Your Plants and Yourself This Winter

It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s rough out there, friends. Fall and winter is the time of year when we just want to be cozy and warm at home, spending time with loved ones. This is a natural season for rest and recovery and crockpot meals, and it’s important to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself now that the days are shorter and we experience a natural decline in activity. This blog post will outline ways to help your plants and yourself make the most of winter care! 

Get Some (Fake) Sun

It’s hard to get enough sunlight for you and your plants in the winter, thanks to gray skies and short days. But you can both benefit from added light indoors! A full spectrum LED light for your plants and a light box for you can help everyone thrive inside this winter. 

Stay Warm

Keeping the thermostat low can help save on your heating bill, but for tropical plants you want to keep temperatures above 65 degrees. Keep plants away from vents, windows, and doorways to avoid drafts and temperature shifts than can cause stress and damage. And be sure to wear socks and snuggle up in your favorite blanket to keep things cozy! 

Run a Humidifier 

A humidifier is a winter must-have -- your foliage and your skin will thank you. We can’t help but fall in love with the adorable humidifiers from Crane USA like this bumblebee shaped humidifier that will be right at home among your tropical plants! Remember that succulents like it dry so they do not need a humid environment. If you run a humidifier or keep plants in the bathroom for extra humidity, keep succulents in another room. 

Stay Hydrated

You don’t need to water your plants as often in the cooler months. Check the soil for moisture and water foliage when the top inch is dry, which may be every ten days to two weeks in the colder months if you typically water weekly in the summer. For succulents, you might be able to go a month or more -- water when the soil is totally dry. As for yourself, keep your body hydrated with herbal teas if you find it difficult to drink cold water. Soups and other water-heavy foods count for hydration too! 

Rest and Recover

Fall and winter are natural rest periods for plants, and they don’t grow much in this season. So don’t expect to see a lot of new leaves or shoots this winter and keep up your care routine to see your plants flourish in the spring. If you can, avoid repotting unless your plant is really root bound and needs a new home pronto. The fall is also a natural time for you - yes, you, a human person - to rest and recover from an active spring and summer season. It is normal to rest. Cut yourself some slack for not being as social or active when it’s cold outside, and be restful like your favorite plants. 

Stay Cozy!

Celebrate your stay-home fall vibes and show us your comfy plant setup at home when you tag us in your photos on Instagram @wild_interiors!