Love Your Valentine, Not Your Plants
By Sara Childers, Co-Owner of Potted in Portland
One of my favorite parts of having a brick & mortar houseplant shop is chatting with customers. And every winter, I notice a similar question get asked time and time again:
“How can I keep my houseplant alive?”
This winter houseplant care advice is especially for people growing indoor plants in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to indoor plants in winter, slower growth and fewer new leaves are completely normal - and often nothing to worry about.
To be honest, houseplants in our Pacific Northwest winter can be tricky. This is especially true if you’re drawn to big, leafy, exotic plants that require very specific temperature and humidity conditions during our temperamental PNW winters. At Potted in Portland, we’re more into easy-care plants - and those exotics can be, well, temperamental (I’m looking at you, Croton).
Questions We Hear Every Winter
We take a lot of pride in being a friendly, approachable plant shop. That means we start by listening and troubleshooting alongside our customers. Some version of these questions comes up every winter:
Should I move it to a less bright window?What does it mean if there are yellow leaves?Should I repot it?Am I watering it too little?Am I watering it too much?What if my cat suddenly decides to be interested in plants?
If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. They’re some of the most common concerns about how to keep houseplants alive during winter in the PNW.
Our Winter Houseplant Advice in the PNW: Do Less
Most of the time, with houseplants that regularly do well here, my advice on how to keep your houseplant alive in the PNW is simple: do less.
What “Do Less” Looks Like in Practice
When caring for indoor plants in winter, “do less” can look like:
Instead of moving your plant, try rotating it in the same windowIf more than a leaf or two turns yellow, pay closer attention - but remember yellowing can also be part of letting old leaves goHold back from repotting your houseplant in the PNW until there is active growth (aka not now)Instead of following a watering formula, water when needed - and not too much. (Do not rely on water meters that give uneven information, and please stop using apps.)You know your cat best 😉
Why Indoor Plants Slow Down in Winter
Like many of us in the PNW, houseplants hibernate in winter. We pull out board games and books; plants slow their growth and wait for light.
Our indoor plants in winter are responding to less daylight hours, weaker sun, and chilly home and office temperatures. Learning how to keep houseplants alive starts with understanding that winter is a resting season - not a growing one.
Love Your Valentine (And Let Your Plants Rest)
So if you find yourself needing to give a little extra love this time of year, go grab your Galentine, Valentine, or cat. Let your houseplants be for a bit.
They’ll let you know when they’re waking up from winter - but it likely isn’t right now.
If you’re unsure whether your plant is resting or struggling, or would like help preparing your plants for the growing season, stop by our houseplant shop and ask. We love helping plants - and plant people - thrive in the PNW.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Houseplant Care
How often should I water indoor plants in winter?
When it comes to indoor plants in winter, watering needs are much lower than in summer. Instead of following a schedule, water when the soil is dry and the plant actually needs it. Stick your finger in the soil in a few spots, aiming for it to be dry to your first or second knuckle. Overwatering is the most common winter issue we see in the Pacific Northwest.
Is it okay to repot houseplants in winter?
Generally, no. Repotting is stressful for plants, and most houseplants are not actively growing in winter to make use of the space. Excess soil around your houseplant’s roots increases the likelihood of root rot and pests. If you’re wondering how to keep houseplants alive, waiting until closer to spring to repot - around Mother’s Day in the PNW - is usually the safest choice.
Why are my houseplant’s leaves turning yellow in winter?
Yellow leaves don’t always mean something is wrong. For houseplants in the Pacific Northwest, winter yellowing can be caused by reduced daylight, cooler temperatures, or older leaves naturally dropping. If more than a few leaves are affected, it’s worth taking a closer look for pests. Paying attention, but pausing before acting, is a good start.