When temperatures drop, your plants face a completely different set of challenges: less light, dry indoor air, and unpredictable cold snaps. Even the most experienced gardeners can lose a plant or two during this time, but with a little care and planning, your greenery can make it through the winter months strong and ready for spring.

Think of winter as your plants’ rest period. They’re conserving energy, slowing growth, and adapting to new environments—especially if they’ve been brought indoors. The key is balance. Too much care can harm them just as much as neglect.

Adjust Watering Habits for the Season

One of the most common mistakes plant owners make during winter is overwatering. Most indoor plants need significantly less water in the colder months since they’re growing slower and light levels are lower.

  • Check soil moisture before watering: Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
  • Use room-temperature water: Cold water can shock roots.
  • Ensure proper drainage: Avoid leaving water in saucers or trays, as soggy roots can lead to rot.

If you’re unsure how often to water, visit your favorite plant store in Franklin, TN for guidance, as they often provide seasonal watering tips for specific plant varieties.

Maximize Light Exposure

Shorter days mean less sunlight, and that can take a toll on your houseplants. Rotate them every few weeks so all sides get equal light, and consider moving them closer to bright windows.

If your home doesn’t get much natural light, LED grow lights are a great investment. They mimic the sun’s rays without overheating your plants, helping them maintain their color and strength through winter.

Maintain Ideal Indoor Conditions

Cold drafts and hot air from heaters can both stress your plants. Here’s how to protect them:

  • Keep plants away from vents and exterior doors.
  • Monitor humidity levels: Many homes get dry in winter. Grouping plants together or using a small humidifier can help recreate a tropical environment.
  • Wipe dust off leaves: A thin layer of dust can block the already-limited light your plant receives.

The experts at a trusted plant store in Franklin, TN can recommend humidity-friendly plants or products that make winter care easier.

Protect Outdoor Plants from Frost

If you have perennials, shrubs, or potted plants outside, frost is the biggest threat. Here are some ways to keep them safe:

  • Mulch generously: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch insulates roots and keeps soil temperature stable.
  • Water before a freeze: Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
  • Cover plants on freezing nights: Use burlap, frost cloth, or even old sheets to provide insulation.

Don’t forget to uncover them when the sun comes out—too much trapped moisture can cause fungus or mold.

Know Which Plants Need Extra Care

Not all plants handle winter the same way. Tropical varieties like ferns, palms, and philodendrons need more humidity and warmth, while succulents and cacti prefer cooler, drier air.

Local expertise can make all the difference. Visiting a plant store in Franklin, TN allows you to ask detailed questions about each species you own, especially if you’re new to indoor gardening or trying to overwinter plants from your outdoor garden.

Plan Ahead for Spring

Winter is also the perfect time to plan for next year’s garden. Evaluate what survived the season, what didn’t, and where you want to make changes. Start researching soil types, fertilizers, and new plants that might suit your space better.

If you’re feeling ambitious, start seeds indoors in late winter so they’re ready to transplant when the frost passes. Your local garden experts can recommend the right soil mixes and seed-starting kits to help you get ahead.

Visit Hewitt Garden & Design Center for Expert Help

Hewitt Garden & Design Center, an expert plant store in Franklin, TN, offers everything from houseplants and gardening tools to landscape advice and seasonal décor. Whether you need help reviving a struggling fern or choosing frost-resistant shrubs, our knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the right products and practices to keep your plants thriving year-round.

Stop by Hewitt Garden & Design Center today to get expert advice and supplies that make winter plant care simple and successful.