Winter Houseplant Survival Guide
How to keep your plants happy until spring
Winter can feel a little… gloomy. Shorter days, chilly drafts, dry air—and your houseplants definitely notice the change. The good news? Your plants don’t need a ton of extra effort this time of year. A few simple adjustments will help them coast through winter and be ready to thrive again come spring.
Here’s how to help your houseplants survive (and even look good) all winter long.
Pull Back on Water
This is the big one. Most houseplants slow way down in winter, which means they’re using less water.
Before you grab the watering can, do the finger test:
Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Overwatering is the fastest way to stress (or lose) a plant in winter, so when in doubt—wait it out.
Hit Pause on Fertilizer
Your plants aren’t actively growing right now, so they don’t need extra nutrients.
Skip fertilizing during the winter months and plan to start again in early spring, once you see fresh new growth. Your plants will thank you.
Add a Humidifier
Winter air is dry—especially once the heat kicks on—and many houseplants (hello, tropicals) struggle with low humidity.
Adding a humidifier can help:
- Prevent crispy leaf edges
- Keep foliage looking fuller and healthier
- Reduce stress during the driest months
Even a small humidifier nearby can make a noticeable difference. Grouping plants together also helps naturally boost humidity.
Move Plants to Brighter Spots
With shorter days and weaker sunlight, your plants may need a little help catching those rays.
This is a great time to:
- Move plants closer to bright windows
- Rotate plants occasionally for even growth
- Make sure nothing is blocking their light
Just be mindful of cold glass and drafts—bright and cozy is the goal.
Keep Leaves Clean
Dusty leaves can block light and slow photosynthesis.
Every few weeks, gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth. This helps plants absorb more light, discourages pests, and gives everything a clean, healthy glow.
Skip Heavy Pruning
Winter isn’t the time for major haircuts.
Avoid heavy pruning while plants are resting. Instead:
- Remove dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves
- Snip off anything that’s clearly not coming back
Save shaping and big trims for spring, when your plants are actively growing again.
Watch Out for Drafts & Heat
Cold windows, exterior doors, and heating vents can all stress your plants.
Try to keep plants:
- Away from cold drafts
- Out of direct heat from vents or radiators
A stable, comfortable spot goes a long way in winter.
Think “Survive Until Spring”
Winter is all about maintenance, not big changes. Skip repotting, heavy pruning, or anything drastic. Focus on keeping plants stable and stress-free.
Once longer days return (usually around March), your plants will naturally wake back up—and that’s when the fun growth really begins.
You’ve Got This
If your houseplants look a little slower or less perky in winter, that’s completely normal. Less water, brighter light, added humidity, and a bit of patience will carry them through.
And if you ever need help—or want to add a new plant to your collection—we’re always here for you.
Spring is coming!
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Prairie Gardens
3000 W. Springfield Avenue
Champaign, IL
