Winter Care for Indoor Plants: Simple Tips to Keep Them Happy

Winter brings cool air, shorter days, and weaker sunlight, a combination that can make indoor plants slow down and struggle. But with just a few thoughtful adjustments, you can help your green companions stay healthy, hydrated, and happy all winter long. Indoor plants and pots moved inside for winter need some gentle care. Here’s a simplified guide to help them thrive without overdoing it.

At Harit Mantra, we believe plant care should feel simple and natural. That’s why we’ve put together this easy winter guide for every plant parent.

What Happens to Plants in Winter

• When days get shorter and light weakens, plants naturally slow down. Their growth, water use, and photosynthesis reduces.

• Because of this slowdown, they don’t need as much water during the winter months.

  

Simple Winter Habits for Healthy Houseplants

1. Don’t overwater - water only when needed

• Use the “finger test”: stick a finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, then water lightly.

• In winter, even if soil feels dry, that’s often okay, because plants use much less water.

  
  

2. Give them enough light

• Indoor light in winter is much weaker than outdoors. Ideally, place your plants near a bright window (a south-facing window works best).

  
  

3. Clean leaves and check for pests

• Dusty leaves block light - wipe them gently with a cloth.

• Inspect for pests before bringing plants indoors. A strong water spray or refreshing soil can help remove bugs hiding in soil.

  
  

4. Create a humidity boost if you leave home

• If you’re traveling for a week or more - especially in dry winter -group plants in a bathroom or bathtub. Add a little water and close the door/curtain to create a humid micro-environment (but don’t let pots sit directly in water).

5. Avoid Repotting Until Warmer Months

   Repotting is stressful for plants - and winter isn’t the time for stress.

Only repot if:

• The pot is broken

• The plant is severely root-bound.

Otherwise, wait until spring when growth restarts.

Common Winter Plant Problems & What They Mean

• Yellowing, dropping leaves → Too little light or too much water

• Soggy soil, foul smell → Root rot beginning

• Dry, brown leaf tips → Low humidity

• Spindly, stretched growth → Not enough light

• Curling leaves → Cold draft or under-watering

Identify early → fix early → save the plant.

Quick Winter Plant Care Checklist

• Place plants in the brightest spot

• Reduce watering by 50–70%

• Keep them away from cold windows & heaters

• Increase humidity

• Clean leaves every 2 weeks

• Do not repot

• Check for pests regularly

Final Thoughts from Harit Mantra

Winter means rest for many plants - think of it as their quiet “off-season.” You don’t have to do much, but do a few smart things: water sparingly, skip fertilizer, give good light and humidity, keep the leaves clean, and protect from drafts or dry heat.

With just a few adjustments, your houseplants and overwintered pots can stay healthy through the colder months.