Have you been watering your houseplants on a consistent routine throughout the year? We hate to break it to you, but you're doing it wrong! While it may seem like environmental conditions remain the same indoors from spring through winter, your houseplants can actually detect the changes in seasonal light levels from the window; this causes them to transition through their natural growth cycles, just like plants do outdoors.

Watering Houseplants in Every Season

Through each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter—your houseplants' needs will change as their growth patterns change. Here's how you should adjust your houseplant care routine every season to ensure your indoor plants get what they need.

Watering Houseplants in Winter

Winter is when sunlight levels are at their lowest and the days are shorter. As sundown occurs earlier each evening, your houseplants detect that winter is coming, and it's time to hibernate, just like a bear! Plants undergo a period of dormancy in winter; their growth slows down so they can rest and recharge before their next big growth spurt. Since they're growing less, they need less water, and if you apply the same amount of water in the winter as you do in the summer, you run the risk of overwatering and causing root rot.

Knowing when to water your houseplants depends on their unique watering needs—some, like ferns, prefer consistently moist soil, while snake plants like their soil to dry out before you water again. Check how long it takes for the soil moisture to evaporate, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. A good rough estimate would be to reduce watering to every 10–14 days with your fern and every 3–4 weeks with your cactus or snake plant.

Watering Houseplants in Spring

As the light levels increase, it's time to water the plants more frequently! You'll notice your houseplants start to perk up and show signs of new growth. Water your moisture-loving plants once per week and around once every two weeks for low-maintenance plants.

Spring is also the perfect time to start adding some water-soluble houseplant fertilizer about once per month; this will provide all the necessary nutrients your plants need to grow more healthy foliage, spread their roots, and absorb moisture and nutrients properly.

Watering Houseplants in Summer

Summer sunshine is warm and bright, and the days are long—this is when your houseplants are growing at top speeds! If your plants are right up close to the window, you'll likely need to increase watering frequency even further—that bright sun can quickly evaporate soil moisture! Keep an eye on the soil's dampness, and pay attention to signs of dehydration or underwatering in your plants. Keep applying fertilizer once per month to help fuel your plants' growth.

Watering Houseplants in Fall

Light levels are starting to decrease, and while your plants may still have a bit of pep in their step, they're slowing down and preparing for their upcoming winter dormancy. Water around the same frequency you were in spring, and stop applying fertilizer after September.

Bonus Tips for Houseplant Care Through the Seasons

Here are some additional tips for adjusting your plant care routine with the seasons:

• Avoid repotting plants in fall or winter, as this can stimulate another growth spurt. Try to save repotting for spring or early summer for best results.
• The bright summer sun may be a bit too intense for your sensitive tropical plants, like monsteras or fiddle leaf figs. If their leaves show signs of sun scorch, move them farther away from the window, away from direct light beams.
• If you've overwatered in winter and your plants aren't absorbing the moisture fast enough, you may notice little buzzing insects start to appear. These are fungus gnats, and they're attracted to soggy soil. Spray the soil and leaves with a natural insecticide like neem oil, pyrethrin spray, or insecticidal soap. Repeat applications every 3–4 days until they've disappeared—larvae can hide under the soil surface and reemerge as mature insects.

While you may have to pay closer attention when watering houseplants, it certainly isn't difficult once you find your rhythm! Visit us at Westwood Gardens for more information on watering your houseplants this winter.