{"id":64797,"date":"2023-01-11T10:26:28","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T15:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=64797"},"modified":"2023-01-11T10:28:34","modified_gmt":"2023-01-11T15:28:34","slug":"how-to-keep-your-houseplants-alive-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/how-to-keep-your-houseplants-alive-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Houseplants Alive This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Keeping houseplants alive in the spring and summer is relatively easy if they get ample light and water. The winter, however, is an entirely different story\u2014especially here in the Pine Tree State, where it gets dark at 3 p.m. and the seasonal chill sticks around longer than anyone would like. To learn how to best take care of our plant friends throughout the winter, we sat down with florist and designer John Sundling, founder and owner of Plant Office<\/a>, a houseplant and dried goods store in Portland\u2019s bustling East End.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After answering a florist\u2019s help wanted ad in 2011, Sundling decided to combine his passion for floristry and design with his love of houseplants and his keen retail instincts. Today, he\u2019s an active member of Portland\u2019s thriving food and hospitality industry, designing floral arrangements for weddings, shops, and restaurants, in addition to overseeing Plant Office\u2019s operations. Here are his top tips for caring for your houseplants during Maine\u2019s long-lasting winter season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Extra light is key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a Mainer, you\u2019ve experienced firsthand how early in the day the winter darkness descends. That\u2019s why Sundling recommends extra light to keep your houseplants thriving, even if you\u2019re just using simple fluorescent bulbs. Make your life easier by purchasing an automatic timer that controls the light, \u201cso you don\u2019t have to remember to turn the lights on and off every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humidity is your friend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ever notice how dry your skin gets in winter? The same goes for houseplants. \u201cMost indoor plants are from the tropics and need humidity year-round to thrive,\u201d says Sundling, but \u201cour homes in Maine dry out this time of year.\u201d To ramp up humidity, try grouping your plants together in one area, spritz them with water once a day using a spray bottle, or place a small humidifier near plants that need extra moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photos: John Sundling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Stay vigilant for pests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPests can be more of a problem in the winter because plants have fewer resources to fend off attacks,\u201d Sundling notes. Keeping an eye on your plants and sticking with a regular cleaning and pruning routine will help keep pests at bay. If you discover a common pest like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids, be sure to \u201ctake care of it as soon as possible so it doesn\u2019t get worse.\u201d Begin by isolating the plant so the infestation doesn\u2019t spread, then blast it with water to dislodge any insects. Spray it down with insecticidal soap to kill any pests that are left or dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and remove stragglers one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid cold windows and doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDrafts are the enemy this time of year,\u201d and can lead to root rot, \u201cespecially if a plant has recently been watered,\u201d says Sundling. For that reason, consider moving your plants away from cold windows and doors that are frequently opened. The good news? In the winter, the sun remains lower in the sky, so light reaches further into your home. \u201cThat means your plants don\u2019t have to be right in the window to get good light,\u201d Sundling adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Beat the heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that radiators and heating vents aren\u2019t great for plants, either. \u201cNo plant wants to be baked to death,\u201d jokes Sundling. Since radiators are often located near windows, it\u2019s easy to avoid both the hot and the cold by placing your plants further into the room during the winter\u2014just be sure to avoid smaller space heaters, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t sweat vacation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Odds are you might be traveling at some point during the winter. Sundling suggests giving your plants a thorough watering before you leave but insists they should be fine while you\u2019re gone. Plan to travel for more than seven to ten days? \u201cYou might want a friend to stop by and check on your plant buddies,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Best Houseplants for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Peace Lily: <\/strong>\u201cThey have a built-in \u2018I need water\u2019 warning system. When you see them start to droop, give them a nice soak. They should be back by the next day.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Silver Pothos:<\/strong> \u201cThis lower light plant is easy to care for, with just enough personality to save it from being boring.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Hoya: <\/strong>\u201cIt\u2019s a succulent-like vining plant that doesn\u2019t need a ton of light. After a few years of maturing, they flower pretty reliably, which is a nice bonus.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Lastly, we asked Sundling which houseplants tend to thrive in Maine\u2014and you\u2019ll never believe his response. \u201cPlants like cacti and citrus do surprisingly well in Maine if you have enough light,\u201d he said. \u201cThey don\u2019t mind the cold, and unlike more tropical plants, they can live long with good care. I especially love when my lemon tree blossoms in my house in the winter,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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