Tips to keep your houseplants healthy all winter – Daily Tribune
Tips to keep your houseplants healthy all winter	
Moon Valley Pilea is a moisture-loving plant that prefers high humidity but will tolerate average home humidity. (MelindaMyers.com)	
Wintertime presents special challenges for house plants. But you can keep your houseplants looking their best with proper winter care.
Make sure houseplants receive sufficient light now and throughout the winter. The shorter, often gray days of winter mean less light reaches our plants. Start by moving them to the sunniest available window. A south-facing window is usually best, but if it is obstructed by trees, awnings or shears it may be no better than an unobstructed window facing another direction.
Consider supplementing natural light with artificial light when light is limited. Newer styles that clip onto pots, are mounted on a wall or tucked into furniture-grade stands make them attractive and easier to use. And now LED plant lights are more affordable, longer lasting and use less energy.
Humidity is the other winter stress. Many of our houseplants are tropical and require higher humidity than our homes provide. In winter, as we turn up the heat, the humidity declines.
Never trap houseplants between the curtain or blinds and the window. The temperature can be significantly colder next to the window, resulting in injury and even death of some plants. Place plants on a table near the window or windowsill extension, leaving room to close the window coverings at night.
You will be rewarded with healthier, more attractive plants when giving them the care they need this winter. And tending your indoor garden will help fight the winter blues.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including “Small Space Gardening.” She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Visit MelindaMyers.com.