Caring for houseplants through winter
Houseplants slow their growth in winter as days get shorter and temperatures drop. That means they need less water than in summer, and overwatering becomes the most common cause of problems. Before watering, push a finger into the soil. If the top few centimetres are still damp, wait a few more days and check again.
Move plants closer to bright windows to make the most of the weaker winter light, but keep them away from cold glass at night and from heaters, which dry the air. Grouping plants together raises humidity around them. Hold back on fertiliser until spring, when new growth starts and plants can actually use the extra nutrients.