Proper Care for Houseplants During Winter Months.
Caring for houseplants can be more challenging than it appears, especially in winter when sunlight is limited. Each houseplant requires water to thrive, but the amount needed varies based on its native environment. Understanding these needs is crucial for keeping indoor plants healthy.
In summer, when temperatures rise, plants generally need more frequent watering. However, as winter arrives and temperatures drop, it’s easy to fall into the habit of watering them as often as before. Experts from Gardeners’ World emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of both overwatering and underwatering. They note that, “it pays to know the signs of under- or over-watered plants. Plants will ‘tell’ you.”
Overwatering can inadvertently lead to a plant’s demise. Signs of overwatering include wilted, yellow leaves. The website advises checking the compost first if your plant appears unhealthy. If the compost is dry, submerge the pot in a bucket of water, allowing air to bubble up. Keep it submerged until the compost is fully soaked and the plant shows signs of recovery. Afterward, let excess water drain before returning the plant to its usual spot. If the compost is damp, allow it to dry out before watering again.
In addition to proper watering, houseplants require nutrients during the darker months. A TikToker recently shared an innovative way to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer from discarded potato peels. User states, “You will never throw away your potato peels again once you discover what you can actually do with them.”
To make the plant feed, find a clean, empty jar and fill it with water and potato peels. Close the jar and place it in sunlight for one to two days. The user suggests diluting the potato water before using it on potted plants or in the garden. “It’s great to help [them] grow so well,” she adds. However, she warns that the mixture will have a “strong stench” when opened, due to the fermentation process that releases essential nutrients for plants.
Related topics: