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Winter with houseplants............................Carol Ann Harlos
Winter with houseplants Know the issues that can threaten their health
CAROL ANN HARLOS
Winter is a time to refresh after the rigors of the outdoor gardening season. It’s a time to contemplate the past season, study plant science (among other interests), and enjoy the plants in our homes. However, a fellow gardener recently commented, “I thought I would get a break from gardening during the colder months, but some of my plants look unwell. What should I do?”
Some plants don’t care about receiving large amounts of light during our winter, even if they are tropical because even in the tropics, they grew in shade under larger sun-loving plants. These include spider plants (from West and South Africa) peace lilies (from Venezuela and Columbia), Chinese evergreen (Agloenema, from Asia and New Guinea), snake plants (from West Africa), lucky bamboo (not bamboo at all but a relative of asparagus), fittonia (also called “nerve plant” because the leaf veins are red or white). These overwinter easily in our homes (though some are not pet-friendly so do your homework).
Other, sunlight-hungry plants do not. They may suffer from dry heated air, cold air from drafts, dust, too much or too little water. Perhaps you are growing tropicals such as ponytail palm, jade, sago palm, papyrus, croton, string of pearls. These plants need direct light! What to do?
Purchase grow lights. If the plants grow under lights in an out of way place such as a basement, you can display them until they demonstrate a need to return to their high light environment. You can also make use of spots that have direct lighting; my ponytail palm is presently “visiting” us on the kitchen table. The table was previously hosting a large Christmas cactus that went back to the basement after it finished blooming. Before that, it was a lemon scented geranium.
You may be overwintering garden plants; I do this with potted coleus, caladiums, and begonias. They hate heat ducts but love lots of light. Some will spontaneously die down to the soil because they need a rest. You can use this time to make cuttings, dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and have the pleasure of adding them to gardens or pots late next spring. If you brought potted plants into your home, cut back on watering and take your cue from their behavior. Frequently, they simply need to rest and will begin growing again in early spring. Then you can replenish the soil, prune dead plant parts, and begin the cycle again.
Isn’t winter fun?
I love hearing from you: caharlos@verizon.net FY
Carol Ann Harlos is an awardwinning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves learning from others and sharing her knowledge.
