Green in the Gloom
Finding Rest and Renewal for You and Your Plants
Winter can cast a quiet, gray blanket over our lives. The shorter days and chilly air can make many of us feel sluggish and in need of rest. But it's not just us—our houseplants feel it too. While some might slow down or drop a few leaves, this season doesn’t have to be a time of struggle for your indoor jungle. Instead, it can be a time of rest and renewal. By tuning into their winter needs, you can help your plants (and yourself) find peace and strength for the spring ahead.
Shorter days
When winter arrives, the sun sits lower in the sky, and the days grow shorter. Plants rely on sunlight to produce the energy they need to grow through photosynthesis, so this seasonal shift signals them to slow down. Many houseplants, especially those with tropical origins, experience this as a cue to enter a more dormant phase. They’re not dying—they’re simply conserving their energy.
Just as humans feel the pull to hibernate on cold winter mornings, your plants are resting up for brighter days ahead.
Balance
The dry heat from furnaces and space heaters can make indoor air feel like a desert, which is a far cry from the lush, humid environments many houseplants are used to. For tropical plants like calatheas, ferns, and philodendrons, low humidity can cause crispy edges or browning leaves.
Boost Humidity:
Group plants together to create a shared "micro-humid zone." When plants transpire (release moisture through their leaves), the surrounding air becomes more humid.
Use pebble trays: Place a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant pot (avoid allowing the roots to sit in the water). As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air.
Invest in a small humidifier for your plant corner.
When it comes to watering, remember that most plants need less water in winter due to slower growth. Overwatering is one of the most common winter plant care mistakes.
Winter watering tips:
Check the soil moisture with your finger or a moisture meter before watering.
Water in the morning so that any excess moisture can evaporate throughout the day.
Empty saucers of standing water to prevent root rot.
Embracing dormancy
One of the hardest things for plant parents is accepting that some leaf loss or slowed growth in winter is normal. But dormancy is a survival strategy that allows plants to store their energy until spring. By embracing this phase, you can stop worrying when your once-lush pothos slows down or your calathea folds its leaves earlier in the evening.
Instead of fertilizing or trying to coax new growth, let your plants rest. Think of this time as an opportunity to focus on their long-term health rather than instant beauty.
Renewal
Some plants are known for their dramatic seasonal cycles, like coleus! With its bold, colorful foliage, coleus thrives in bright conditions during its growing season but often fades or drops its leaves in winter when light levels drop. But don’t worry—with the right care and patience, it can return with vibrant growth in the spring.
If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants that stay strong through the winter, consider:
ZZ Plant: Glossy leaves that shine even in the darkest corners.
Snake Plant: Resilient and striking, with minimal care needs.
Pothos: An adaptable trailing plant that keeps its charm in dim rooms.
Philodendron (especially heartleaf varieties): Hardy and forgiving, these plants thrive even when light is sparse.
Winter is not the end of the journey—it’s a pause, a time to gather strength. By embracing rest and renewal, you’re setting your plants up for a beautiful comeback in the months ahead. And who knows? Maybe you’ll feel renewed, too.
Which of your plants surprises you most during the winter season? Share your stories with us—we’d love to learn from your experience!
Author: Kayla, Founder Third Orbit Flora
Photo Credit: Adobe stock by olezzo; contact us for more information.