10/19/2026
Cold weather has found us once again and I would love to share 5️⃣ tips with you to help your indoor houseplants this winter season!
1. Give them more light but watch the cold!
Shorter days • Weaker sunlight
Move plants closer to bright windows to take advantage of limited winter daylight. Rotate pots every week or two for even growth. Keep leaves from touching freezing windows, and move plants away from cold drafts. A grow light can make a huge difference for plants in darker rooms. (We have some great ones if you’re looking!)
2. Water less and check the soil first!
The most common winter mistake!
Many houseplants grow slower in winter, so their soil stays wet longer. Check the soil with your finger or moisture meter (we have these too!) before watering, and water according to the plant’s needs rather than a strict schedule. When you do water, water thoroughly and empty the drainage tray.
🌱 Mabe’s tip: Overwatering in winter can lead to root rot even when the top of the soil looks dry.
3. Fight the dry indoor air.
Forced-air heat is tough on tropical plants!
North Dakota heating systems can make indoor air extremely dry. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place pots near a pebble tray with water below the pot bottoms. Keep plants away from heat vents.
🌱Mabe’s tip: Tropical plants like calatheas, ferns, and some palms appreciate extra humidity.
4. Protect them from temperature swings!
Cold windows, doors, and vents matter!
Keep plants away from exterior doors, drafty windows, fireplaces, and heating vents. Most common houseplants prefer consistent temperatures around 65–75°F. Never leave plants in a cold car while shopping, even for a short time in extreme cold.
🌱Mabe’s tip: When bringing a new plant home, wrap it up well for the trip from the store. This is why every live item that leaves our store while temps are lower than 33* gets wrapped & covered.
5. Pause the fertilizer and inspect for pests!
Let plants rest and catch problems early.
For most houseplants, reduce or pause fertilizing during winter when growth slows. Resume when active growth returns. Check the undersides of leaves and stems for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, especially in dry indoor conditions.
🌱Mabe’s Tip: Isolate a plant with pests before the problem spreads to the rest of the collection. (We have all types of fungicides & things to help plants with gnats etc)
Don't panic over a few yellow leaves! Some leaf drop or slower growth can be normal during winter. But widespread yellowing, mushy stems, or persistently wet soil may signal a watering or root problem.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read & I hope you have great success over the next few months! 🌱