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Key Takeaways
- Houseplants grow slower in fall and winter and need less water and fertilizer at this time.
- Brown and crispy leaves, wilted stems, and stunted growth can be signs of plant stress.
- Inspecting plants closely will help you identify what’s ailing your plants, and the best remedy.
It’s perfectly normal for houseplant growth to slow during the cool, short days of fall and winter. But if your indoor plants are turning yellow and brown, or are starting to look dry, wilted, or pest-ridden, it’s time to take action.
In this guide, plant pros share the sneaky things killing houseplants in fall and winter, and provide expert tips to help bedraggled plants recover.
Meet the Expert
- Jarrod Bouchie is a manager at Pistils Nursery, a houseplant shop in Portland, Oregon.
- Justin Hancock works as a horticulturist at Costa Farms.
Too Little Light
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As the days grow short, plants receive less light from the sun and have less energy to fuel their growth. This can cause houseplants to grow slowly or become leggy, but it can also make plants more vulnerable to stressors and issues like overwatering.
“Shifting plants to a spot where they get more natural light during the day can help,” says horticulturist Justin Hancock. “You can also augment natural lighting with a few LED lights so plants get a few more hours of light every day.”
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Too Much Water
Low light levels in fall and winter also affect how plants absorb water and can potentially increase the risks of overwatering if you don’t adjust your watering schedule.
“Once a week, stick your finger into the soil and test for moisture. Most plants need at least the top half of the soil to completely dry out in between waterings,” says plant expert Jarrod Bouchie.
Hot and Cold Drafts
Because the majority of houseplants come from tropical areas, they’re usually content at standard room temperatures. But it’s wise to keep plants away from drafty windows and doors—as well as fireplaces, vents, and heating units—which can cause temperature levels to fluctuate drastically or make the air too dry.
“If you have a houseplant near a heating vent where it’s getting exposed to air that’s noticeably warmer or cooler than the ambient air temperature, it can stress your plant and cause leaves to yellow prematurely,” Hancock says.
Low Humidity
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Aside from heat stress, fireplaces and other heating units also dry out indoor air and can be particularly hard on plants with high humidity needs like some tropical houseplants and ferns.
“People often notice brown crispy leaves and sad looking plants when they’re positioned in front of forced air vents,” Bouchie says. “Fortunately, moving plants out of the direct path of forced air is usually enough for most plants.”
If your plants are still struggling from humidity issues after moving them, try adding a humidifier or a pebble tray to raise humidity levels to 40-60%.
Overfertilizing
Like water, houseplants also need less fertilizer in fall and winter and can develop brown or deformed leaves, wilted stems, and other signs of fertilizer burn if you continue to feed them when they aren’t actively growing.
For the most part, houseplants only need fertilizer in spring and summer, and all fertilizer should be withheld during the colder half of the year.
That said, plants kept under grow lights or in bright windows may benefit from light applications of diluted liquid organic fertilizer if they’re still producing new leaves through winter.
Hidden Pests
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Spider mites and other plant pests can hitch a ride indoors if you place your houseplants outside in summer or bring new plants into your home. But while these pesky critters can affect houseplants in any season, they’re usually at their worst in fall and winter when homes get dry.
“Regularly washing plant leaves can help dislodge spider mites and keep their populations low,” Hancock says.
Treating plants with a weekly spray of organic insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can reduce pest problems, too.
Dirty Leaves
On their own, dirty plant leaves generally won’t do major damage to indoor plants, but dust and other debris can make it harder for plants to photosynthesize and potentially increase plant stress, pests, and other problems.
If you notice a build-up of grime on your houseplants, wipe their leaves down with a damp cloth, or rinse the plants in your shower or sink until they shine.
Avoid washing African violets and other plants with fuzzy leaves that are sensitive to moisture. Instead, use an old makeup or artist’s brush to dust their leaves down!