Indoor Gardening and Houseplants: A Winter Guide for Your Home

Winter’s chill may have settled in, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your love for gardening. Indoor gardening is a wonderful way to keep a connection to nature during the colder months, and houseplants can bring vibrant greenery to your home when everything outdoors is dormant. At Lindsay Mae Designs, we believe in creating beautiful, functional spaces, and that includes nurturing your indoor garden through the winter. Here’s how you can keep your plants thriving inside during the colder months.

1. Provide Plenty of Light

Houseplants in white and gray pots on wooden shelves against a white wall. Green vines drape down, creating a fresh, vibrant feel.

The winter months come with shorter days and less sunlight, which can be challenging for houseplants that thrive on natural light. Most houseplants need about 6 hours of indirect sunlight a day, but during the winter, you may need to get creative.

Position plants near windows that get the most sunlight, preferably south or west-facing windows.
Use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight gently without blocking it completely.
Consider supplemental lighting. Grow lights are a great option for plants that need a little extra love during the winter. Look for full-spectrum LED lights that mimic natural sunlight.

2. Be Mindful of Temperature Changes

Houseplants, including snake plants and pothos, on a sunlit windowsill with a brass watering can. Bright, peaceful atmosphere.

Indoor temperatures can fluctuate greatly between rooms, so it’s important to keep an eye on where your plants are placed. Most houseplants prefer a consistent temperature range between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C), but that can be tricky in winter with heaters running and cold drafts from windows or doors.

Avoid placing plants near heating vents or radiators, as this can dry them out.
Keep plants away from cold drafts from open windows or doors, which can stress plants and stunt growth.
Ensure your plants are not too close to heaters as the warm air can make them dry out more quickly.

3. Watering Needs Change in Winter

Watering can pouring water onto potted plants on a wooden windowsill. Bright and serene indoor setting with various green foliage.

While it’s tempting to keep your plants well-watered during winter, it’s important to adjust your watering habits since many plants enter a dormant phase during this season. Over-watering is a common issue in winter, leading to root rot and other plant health issues.

Let the soil dry out before watering again. Check the top few inches of soil, and only water when it feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock plant roots.
Ensure proper drainage in your plant pots to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

4. Increase Humidity Levels

A wooden diffuser emits mist beside a green potted plant on a table. Blurred background with pillows creates a serene atmosphere.

Winter air is often dry due to indoor heating systems, which can lead to dry, crispy leaves and stress for your plants. Many houseplants, especially tropical varieties, thrive in higher humidity levels.

Group plants together to create a microenvironment with higher humidity.
Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, particularly if you live in a dry climate.
Mist your plants lightly with water using a spray bottle, but avoid over-wetting the leaves as this can encourage mold or mildew.
Place plants on a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase moisture levels in the surrounding air.

5. Repotting and Fertilizing During Winter

Person sitting cross-legged, planting a small plant in a pot. Tools, soil, and pots scattered on a white sheet. Calm, focused mood.

While winter is not typically the time for heavy fertilizing or repotting, some plants may still require attention.

Avoid repotting unless absolutely necessary, as the winter season can make it harder for plants to acclimate to new pots.
Cut back on fertilizing since plants are generally not actively growing during the winter months. You can resume fertilizing in the spring when growth picks up.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

Woman in plaid shirt smiles while cleaning a leafy plant in a bright room with wooden shelves. The mood is calm and content.

Winter is a good time to trim back dead or damaged leaves, which helps your plants conserve energy for the new growing season ahead. Regular maintenance will keep your plants looking fresh and healthy throughout the colder months.

Prune any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
Clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to better absorb light.

7. Decorative Touches for Your Home

Modern living room with gray sofa, armchair, and wooden tables on a beige rug. Green plants, framed art, and round mirror accent the space.

Winter is a time when we spend more time indoors, so why not make the most of it by integrating plants into your home décor? A few well-placed houseplants can add warmth and life to any room.

Display plants in stylish pots that complement your interior design.
Create small indoor garden arrangements on shelves or tabletops to add visual interest.
Use plants as focal points in corners or by large windows to bring nature indoors.

8. Low-Maintenance Plants for Less-than-Ideal Spaces

If you don’t have the perfect light or temperature for traditional houseplants, don’t worry! There are several low-maintenance varieties that can tolerate low light and colder temperatures, making them perfect for less-than-ideal spaces.

A green Sansevieria plant with yellow edges in a white pot on a wooden table. Blurred gray background, creating a calm, natural mood.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Light: Tolerates low light and indirect sunlight.
Water: Extremely drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, especially in winter.
Temperature: Thrives in a wide range of temperatures, making it perfect for cooler spaces.

A green ZZ plant in a glass jar on a wooden table in a bright room. Another ZZ plant is in the background with a textured gray wall.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Light: Can grow in low light and still do well.
Water: Very low water requirements; water only when the soil is completely dry.
Temperature: Can handle cooler indoor temperatures with ease.

Pothos plant in a white pot on a wooden stand. Green, variegated leaves with a blurred plant background, creating a fresh, serene mood.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Light: Grows well in low to moderate light, though it may grow slower in dimmer spaces.
Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Temperature: Prefers moderate to warm temperatures but can tolerate cooler spots.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

White peace lilies with lush green leaves in a garden setting. The background is blurred with hints of pink and green foliage.

Light: Thrives in low to medium light. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
Water: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. It’s forgiving if you forget to water occasionally.
Temperature: Prefers warmer indoor temperatures, but can tolerate cooler settings.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A spider plant in a white hanging pot against a blurred blue and green background, with long green and white leaves.

Light: Does well in low light, though bright, indirect light will encourage more growth.
Water: Keep the soil moist but allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
Temperature: Tolerates a variety of temperatures and is perfect for the winter months.

Final Thoughts

With a little attention and care, your houseplants can continue to thrive throughout the winter season. Indoor gardening is a wonderful way to combat the winter blues while creating a warm, inviting environment in your home. Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just starting, these simple tips and low-maintenance plant varieties can help you nurture your plants during the colder months.

If you’re looking to incorporate more greenery into your living space this winter, reach out to Lindsay Mae Designs for expert advice on creating beautiful, functional indoor environments with plants.

Happy gardening, and enjoy the winter bloom!

Potted houseplants on a black surface, with a white watering can. Background is plain white. Leafy plants vary in size and shape.