Here in Texas, it may not really get cold, at least not the way that much of the country might describe cold. But regardless, we talk a lot about bringing natural concepts – plants included – to work spaces where we spend a lot of time.
So, during the winter months with the unique challenges they bring for raising plants, what are the most important things you can do to care for them?
Watch your humidity
Plants need less water during the winter, it’s true. But that doesn’t mean they don’t like humid spaces! Most plants prefer a humidity level around 50%, but in many homes especially in winter, the humidity may drop to only 10-20%.
We’ve seen a number of creative sort-of lifehacky ways to help, even if you don’t have a humidifier handy (if you do, you may want to reconsider moving your plants). A few of those:
- Position plants on or near a plate of water (please note: don’t put the plants in water, you don’t want to accidentally overwater)
- Spraying with warm water (misting is unlikely to be enough to really give them much benefit, unless done quite often, but spraying them with warm water, with somewhat larger droplets, can help)
Follow the sun
Plants still need sun in the winter, and that precious sunlight may be a bit harder to come by. So make sure to be cognizant of your plants’ positions in winter, ensuring that they’re located near windows oriented for the most possible sunlight.
Do be careful especially in winter not to put them too near windows if the windows are likely to freeze.
Refrain from fertilizing
Fertilizing plants in the winter can disrupt their natural cycles. Don’t make them think spring has started too early.
Temperate is best
In the winter, it’s quite possible that temperature patterns in your home or office are different than they are in the summer. Be careful not to place plants in places that are too cold – but also watch out for places (like near heating vents) where the plants could be too warm.
Generally 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit is best.
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