Should You Fertilize Your Houseplants in Winter?

Houseplants rely on fertilizer to acquire the nutrients they need to thrive. During the growing season, April - October, it is recommended that you fertilize your houseplants every two weeks... but what should you do in winter?

From November - March, many houseplants go dormant and do not require regular fertilizing. Sticking to your same two-week schedule can cause the fertilizer to build up and burn the roots of the plants. Many people steer away from fertilizing in the winter, but there are a few situations when continuing to fertilize can significantly benefit your plant.

IS YOUR PLANT STILL GROWING?

Many common houseplants including various monstera, pothos, philodendron, and calathea do not go completely dormant in the winter. How can you tell? It's simple--if your plant is still putting out new leaves the plant is not dormant and therefore could benefit from continued fertilizing.

IF YOU ARE USING GROW LIGHTS

Many people utilize grow lights to give their houseplants a little boost or offset low-light conditions in their homes. If your plant is under a grow light it will need to be fertilized as the artificial light keeps it actively growing.

WANT TO GIVE YOUR HOUSEPLANTS AN EXTRA BOOST?

Continue to support dormant plants by using SUPERthrive throughout the winter. SUPERthrive is a vitamin solution, not a fertilizer (and should not be used in place of fertilizer). This nutrient supplement contains over 50 vitamins and will give your plants an added boost through the tough winter months. It is a great addition to your plant care routine year-round. It can help revive stressed plants, aid plants damaged by frost or heat, and support plants after repotting.

HOW ELSE CAN I SUPPORT MY PLANTS IN WINTER?

HUMIDITY

Make sure they have adequate humidity. Most houseplants are native to tropical regions and therefore don't like when the air gets too dry. Increase humidity by adding a humidifier to a room, using a pebble tray, or grouping plants together. Adequate humidity (at least 40-60% in the home) can help plants stay healthy and keep dreaded pests at bay (spider mites especially love dry conditions).

WIPE DOWN LEAVES

Show your plants some TLC every few weeks by wiping down their leaves or giving them a shower. Wiping down the leaves removes dust allowing for maximal light absorption and can help remove any unwanted pests (it's also a great time to look for signs of pests and check in on the overall health of your plant!). Keep plants at peak health by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. We love to recommend October Violet leaf polish and Elm Dirt Plant Perfection. Both are currently in stock at Painters for the 2024 season!