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Caring for house plants in winter is very important because the special climatic conditions of the inside, stimulate the continuation of the growing cycle. In addition, winter is the best time to implement some defence strategies, which will come in handy in spring.
Houseplants are often species of tropical origin and so are poorly adapted to hot, dry climates in homes. In other cases, for example, for reasons of space, they do not find optimal living conditions in the home environment. It happens, therefore, that with the premature loss of leaves, the possibility of seeing them bloom also disappears. It turns out in retrospect it is often difficult to determine what specific conditions lead to poor health of your houseplants but by observing some elementary rules it is possible to keep your plants healthy during the winter months.
Let's start with the choice of where to place the plants.
Many species do not tolerate temperatures above 15/18°C. The ideal environment is a place that is not too heated and bright but sheltered from drafts of freezing air.
For warmer places, poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, and Orchids should be preferred, as long as the temperature does not exceed 22°C and they are placed far enough away from heat sources.
It generally constitutes to one of the main reasons that our houseplants are more likely to die in winter: either because we forget to water them or, on the contrary, because we water them too much. Especially in the winter season, it is good to administer water sparingly.
To check the humidity of the growing medium there is a very simple trick. It is enough to insert a finger deep into the potting soil (3-4-cm): if we feel a sense of coolness and the finger comes out moist, it is good to postpone watering.
However, the potting soil should not be allowed to dry out completely to the extent that it becomes detached from the pot walls, as this would immediately stop flowering and the plant will wilt permanently.
Generally, for a 20 cm diameter pot, 1 quart of water at room temperature every 4-5 days is sufficient for the purpose. For succulents, on the other hand, the intervals can be as short as 15 to 20 days.
Spraying is a great addition to watering and is done with the help of a hand pump or trigger sprayer. This should be performed at least once a week, but the plant will benefit more if sprayed more frequently. Spraying improves ambient humidity as it removes from the leaves the dangerous veil of dust and smog that hinders regular metabolic processes.
It is necessary to provide houseplants with nutrients to keep them looking lush and flowering. Here at Vithal Garden UK, we have lots of different liquid feeds to help keep your houseplants bright and healthy.
There is no precise rule, and for houseplants it can also be done in winter.
A slightly larger pot is used than the previous one, and the old potting soil should be replaced with a new repotting substrate added with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid completely exposing the roots.
At the bottom of the pot, spread a 5-cm layer of expanded clay where with the roots will be placed: serve to achieve always efficient drainage.
It is possible for some insects or cryptogams to damage house plants in winter. In case of invasions, it is good to take immediate action to prevent pests from affecting neighbouring plants as well. We recommend using our Ecofective Houseplant Bug Control to control small pests & wash away powdering mildew spores.
For home use, it is generally best to use ready-to-use products.
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