Key insights
- Houseplants grow slower in fall and winter and require less water and fertilizer at this time.
- Brown and crusty leaves, wilted stems, and stunted growth can be signs of plant stress.
- By examining the plants closely, you can find out what the problem is with your plants and what remedy is best.
It's completely normal for houseplant growth to slow during the cool, short days of fall and winter. However, if your houseplants are turning yellow and brown or starting to look dry, wilted, or infested with pests, it's time to take action.
In this guide, plant pros reveal the insidious things that fall victim to houseplants in the fall and winter and provide expert tips to help stunted plants recover.
Meet the expert
- Jarrod Bouchie is a manager at Pistils Nursery, a houseplant store in Portland, Oregon.
- Justin Hancock works as a gardener at Costa Farms.
Too little light
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As days become shorter, plants receive less light from the sun and have less energy to fuel their growth. This can cause houseplants to grow slower or become leggy, but it can also make the plants more susceptible to stressors and problems like overwatering.
“It can be helpful to move the plants to a location where they get more natural light during the day,” says gardener Justin Hancock. “You can also supplement natural lighting with a few LED lights to give plants a few more hours of light each day.”
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Too much water
Low light levels in fall and winter also affect plants' water uptake and can potentially increase the risk of overwatering if you don't adjust your watering schedule.
“Once a week, stick your finger in the soil and check for moisture. Most plants need at least the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings,” says plant expert Jarrod Bouchie.
Hot and cold drafts
Since most houseplants come from tropical areas, they usually thrive at normal room temperatures. However, it is advisable to keep plants away from drafty windows and doors, as well as fireplaces, vents and heaters, as these can cause large temperature fluctuations or dry air.
“Having a houseplant near a heating vent where it is exposed to air that is significantly warmer or cooler than the ambient air temperature can stress your plant and cause the leaves to yellow prematurely,” says Hancock.
Low humidity
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Aside from heat stress, fireplaces and other heating devices also dry out indoor air and can be particularly damaging to plants with high moisture needs, such as some tropical houseplants and ferns.
“People often notice brown, crunchy leaves and sad-looking plants when they stand in front of forced air vents,” says Bouchie. “Fortunately, for most plants, removing the plants from the direct path of circulating air is usually enough.”
If your plants still have humidity issues after moving them, try using a humidifier or pebble tray to increase the humidity to 40-60%.
Overfertilization
Like water, houseplants require less fertilizer in the fall and winter and may develop brown or misshapen leaves, wilted stems, and other signs of fertilizer burn if you continue to feed them when they are not actively growing.
Houseplants usually only need fertilizer in spring and summer; in the colder half of the year you should avoid any fertilization.
However, plants kept under grow lights or in bright windows may benefit from a light application of diluted liquid organic fertilizer while they are still producing new leaves in the winter.
Hidden pests
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Spider mites and other plant pests can spread indoors when you place your houseplants outside in the summer or bring new plants into your home. But while these pesky critters can attack houseplants at any time of year, they are usually at their worst in fall and winter when homes are dry.
“Regularly washing plant leaves can help eliminate spider mites and keep their population low,” says Hancock.
Treating plants weekly with organic insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also reduce pest problems.
Dirty leaves
Dirty plant leaves alone generally do not cause major damage to houseplants, but dust and other debris can make it difficult for plants to photosynthesize and potentially increase plant stress, pests and other problems.
If you notice a buildup of dirt on your houseplants, wipe their leaves with a damp cloth or rinse the plants in the shower or sink until they shine.
Avoid washing African violets and other plants with fluffy leaves that are sensitive to moisture. Instead, use an old makeup or artist brush to dust off the leaves!