Caring for plants in late winter
It’s winter, soon to be spring – but our houseplants need their dormant period. Following the tips below will help keep them safe during their rest.
Reducing watering so that the soil is only lightly moist, and grouping plants together, helps keep the humidity up. Remember to mist them on a regular basis, daily if necessary.
Plant leaves collect dust. Heat a bowl of bottled water in the microwave until it’s warm, then gently wipe the leaves with soaked cotton wool. This removes dirt and moisturises the plant, helps it breathe and leaves it looking happier.
Air is important to plants. Opening windows briefly during cold snaps allows the air to circulate and freshens up the room. However, if left open and forgotten, a sudden drop in temperature is enough to finish a sleeping plant. Draughts kill!
There are differing views on fertilising over winter. Some recommend stopping altogether as the plant isn’t growing. However an alternative view is the plant has become used to feeding with every watering, and by reducing this the feed is also reduced. The plant won’t start growing prematurely with fertiliser alone. What causes a plant to start shooting is the increasing daylight hours once spring has arrived. A one-off bright, sunny winter day won’t start it growing.
Where to place our plants during winter always requires some thought, and it’s important not to shock them with too many changes. If they’ve grown happily during the summer in one spot, then it’s best to leave them be.
More gardening tips from William are available online, just visit: www.the-news.co/index.php/category/gardening
