Credit: Elizabeth White
Your houseplants probably spent the summer and early fall outside and they looked great! They grew and flourished, soaking up the sun, humidity and rain. Since October, they have been inside and, because most houseplants are tropical, some are starting to look sad — although I do bring in my geraniums, begonias and cosmos with success if you ever want to try it — but don’t panic! There is a lot you can do to make them happier. Just like all living things, our plants need love and care.
Houseplants will react to the sudden change in the inside environment, where light levels are lower and days are shorter. Most do so by dropping some leaves and going dormant. Clean leaves from the base of your plant and trim off any that are yellowing. Depending on the plant, I like to trim them back and either add some Miracle-Gro soil with a time-released fertilizer to their existing pot or transplant them into another pot if they have outgrown their current one.
Windows with southern exposure are a must. Make as much light as possible come in; clean the glass, pull back the curtains and pull up the shades. If you are short on southern exposure, it is a good idea to have a grow light or purchase a special bulb that can turn an existing lamp into a grown light.
Plants that were happy in the summer in partial or full shade, may need full sun in the winter months. Try different places in your home, but rest assured, plants will still benefit from at least some sun during the day. And the side that faces the sun will grow more than the other side, so rotate pots regularly to avoid a lopsided plant.
Houseplants love humidity. Brown edges on their leaves indicates low humidity. You may want to purchase a hygrometer, mist with water regularly and run a humidifier — a benefit to people in the winter months also. Plants like to be grouped together as long as their leaves are not touching. Never place plants near a heat source or a draft. Be aware of any drafts that may be coming in from your windows. Even if you think you have plugged them up, you still might need to pull your plants back on extremely cold nights.
Don’t over water or under water houseplants. This is best checked by using the finger test, which means feeling down about an inch into the soil to tell how dry it feels. If it’s a small plant you can also lift it to see how heavy it is. Some like to completely dry out before they are watered again while others don’t. Remember terra-cotta pots dry out faster than plastic ones.
Keep the leaves dust free by wiping with a damp paper towel or wash them off in the shower. An occasional shower will also help knock off any pests they may have. Check them regularly, especially under the leaves. A heavy infestation may require a pesticide or a complete change of soil, including a thorough washing of their pot.
Get to know your houseplants. Not all are the same. Study up on them and listen to them. If they don’t look happy, try a different location. Be aware: It’s better to under water than over water.
Follow these simple rules and tips to enjoy your plants for many years to come. They will love you for it!
Elizabeth White grew up on a farm in Shekomeko Valley and holds a degree in agronomy from SUNY Cobleskill. She’s been an active member of the Pine Plains Community Garden since 2020.