Winter can be tough on houseplants. Shorter days, lower light levels, and dry indoor air from heating systems all create a very different environment than what your plants enjoyed in spring and summer. 

With a little adjustment and awareness, winter doesn’t have to be a season of plant loss. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting started with guidance from a trusted plant nursery in Franklin, TN, these tips will help.

Understanding How Winter Affects Indoor Plants

Most houseplants naturally slow their growth during the colder months. They use less water, require fewer nutrients, and are more sensitive to environmental stress.

Indoor heating dries out the air, sunlight angles shift, and windows can create cold drafts at night. Recognizing that your plants are entering a rest phase is the first step in caring for them properly. Think of winter as a maintenance season rather than a growth season.

Low Light Challenges (and How to Adapt)

How Low Light Impacts Plants

As days get shorter, the amount of natural light your plants receive drops significantly. Even bright rooms can become low-light spaces in winter. This often leads to leggy growth, leaf drop, or dull coloration.

What You Can Do

  • Move plants closer to windows (without touching cold glass)
  • Rotate plants weekly to promote even light exposure
  • Clean windows and leaves to maximize light absorption
  • Use grow lights for plants that need brighter conditions

Many homeowners rely on advice from a knowledgeable plant nursery in Franklin, TN to match their plants to winter-friendly locations inside the home.

Dry Air: The Silent Stressor

Why Dry Air Is a Problem

Heating systems remove moisture from the air, creating humidity levels far below what most tropical houseplants prefer. This can result in crispy leaf edges, brown tips, and increased pest problems like spider mites.

Easy Ways to Increase Humidity

  • Run a humidifier near plant groupings
  • Create pebble trays filled with water beneath pots
  • Group plants together to share moisture
  • Mist selectively, focusing on humidity-loving plants

Plants such as calatheas, ferns, and orchids benefit the most from added humidity during winter months.

Winter Watering: Less Is Usually More

Common Winter Watering Mistakes

Overwatering is the most frequent cause of plant decline in winter. Because plants are growing more slowly, they use less water—and wet soil lingers much longer.

Smarter Winter Watering Tips

  • Check soil moisture before watering (don’t rely on schedules)
  • Water thoroughly, then let excess drain
  • Avoid cold water—room temperature is best
  • Reduce frequency, not necessarily volume

If you’re unsure what your plant needs, consulting a local plant nursery in Franklin, TN can help you avoid guesswork and root rot.

Fertilizing and Repotting: Hit Pause Until Spring

Winter is not the time to push growth. Fertilizing during dormancy can stress plants and lead to salt buildup in the soil.

What to do instead:

  • Pause fertilizing until early spring
  • Hold off on repotting unless absolutely necessary
  • Focus on stability and observation

Think of winter as a time to maintain your indoor plant collection.

Watch for Pests and Stress Signals

Dry air and weakened plants can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Inspect leaves regularly, especially undersides and stems.

Signs to watch for:

  • Sticky residue
  • Webbing or cotton-like clusters
  • Sudden leaf drop

Catching issues early makes treatment much easier and prevents spread to nearby plants.

Hewitt Garden: Your Local Plant Nursery in Franklin, TN

Hewitt Garden & Design Center is a go-to resource for Middle Tennessee plant lovers. Known for our horticultural expertise and thoughtfully curated selection, we help homeowners navigate seasonal challenges like winter care with confidence.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a struggling houseplant, looking for winter-hardy indoor varieties, or simply want personalized advice, our team is always happy to help.

Stop by Hewitt Garden & Design Center or explore our offerings online to keep your indoor plants healthy all winter long.