Winter doesn’t have to be tough on your indoor plants. With the right care, your houseplants can stay healthy and vibrant throughout Calgary’s colder months. Let’s clear up some common myths about plant care during winter and share practical tips to keep your plants thriving until spring.

Myth 1: "Dormant Indoor Plants Are Dead"
The Truth: Plants don’t "die" in winter; they simply grow more slowly. While your plants might look less active, their roots are still working, drawing moisture and nutrients from the soil. This slower growth phase helps them conserve energy as they adjust to our cold, dark days.

Myth 2: "Indoor Plants Don’t Need Water During Winter"
The Truth: While your plants will need less water in winter, they still require hydration. The dry air from central heating can quickly dry out both the soil and the air around your plants, which is common in our winter months. Check your plant’s soil moisture regularly, and water when the top inch feels dry—just be sure not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot.

Myth 3: "All Indoor Plants Go Dormant in Winter"
The Truth: Not all indoor plants go dormant. Tropical plants, like pothos, monstera, and philodendrons, may slow their growth but remain active. Succulents and cacti, however, might enter dormancy due to reduced light levels in Calgary’s shorter days. Understanding your plants’ specific needs will help them thrive throughout the season.

Myth 4: "Fertilizing Indoor Plants in Winter Helps Them Thrive"
The Truth: Winter is not the time to fertilize. Your plants aren’t actively growing, so they can’t effectively use the nutrients. Fertilizing during winter can actually harm your plants, leading to a nutrient buildup in the soil. It’s best to wait until spring when your plants resume active growth.

Myth 5: "Indoor Plants Aren’t Affected by Winter Conditions"
The Truth: Even indoor plants are affected by winter. Shorter days, cooler temperatures near windows, and dry indoor air from heating systems all stress your plants. In Calgary, where we face extreme winter conditions, creating the right environment for your plants is key to keeping them healthy.

Winter Care Tips for Indoor Plants

Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to help your plants thrive through winter:

• Adjust Lighting: Position your plants near windows to soak up as much natural light as possible. For tropical or low-light plants, consider using grow lights during the darker months to supplement their light needs.

• Increase Humidity: Dry winter air can harm your plants, especially humidity-loving ones like ferns or peace lilies. Use a humidifier or create a pebble-and-water tray to add moisture to the air. Misting your plants occasionally can also help.

• Prune Gently: Avoid heavy pruning during winter. It’s fine to remove yellow or dead leaves, but over-pruning can stress your plants and interfere with their energy conservation, especially during the winter months.

• Water Wisely: Check your plants' soil regularly and water only when the top layer feels dry. Overwatering can be especially harmful in winter when plants need less moisture due to the colder indoor environment.

• Monitor Temperature: Keep plants away from cold drafts from windows or heat sources like radiators. Maintaining a consistent, moderate temperature in your home will reduce plant stress, especially in fluctuating indoor conditions.

• Watch for Pests: Dry air in winter can invite pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect your plants regularly and clean their leaves to keep pests at bay. This is especially important as the dry Calgary air can encourage pest growth indoors.

With these simple tips, your houseplants can stay healthy and vibrant through Calgary’s long winter months. Have questions or need advice for specific plants? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help!