Scientists say that the air inside our homes can be several times more polluted than the air outdoors. Through their natural process of respiration, houseplants filter out toxins while increasing oxygen levels and moisture, leaving the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.

In the summer,  you can tend to your urban jungle with 12+ hours of sunlight and warm air. You have watched them grow, flower and may have even propagated a few new baby plants. But in the middle of winter, when the days are cold and gray, and the house is dry, your houseplants can have real trouble to survive. Having the right winter survival tips will keep your plants alive until spring. Here are 5 tips on keeping your plants lush through the winter months.

  • Move plants away from vents, radiators or drafty windows. Most plants aren’t big fans of extreme temperature variations, so try to keep them away from spots that get either too chilly or heated. Position sun-loving, draft-avoiding plants on a side table near the window, but not directly on the window sill.
  • Check the air humidity. Many houseplants thrive in 40-50% humidity, but when the heat’s blasting and the windows are closed, the moisture level in your home is likely much lower. The easiest solution is to buy a humidifier. Alternatively, pick up a mister bottle to spritz the plant leaves, particularly if they start to look dry or crunchy.
  • Try using a full spectrum light bulb. While traditional grow lights are costly you can now get LED bulbs that offer full spectrum light perfect for giving houseplants a bit of necessary life to that they can grow nearly as well as with the sun in the summer.  As a bonus, you get the benefits of this light as well to help you fight seasonal depression alongside the beautiful green plants.
  • Give them a spin. To prevent your plants from growing unevenly, give them a quarter turn every time you water them. This will ensure that all sides get a chance to catch some rays.
  • Don’t Fertilize. Quite simply, you don’t want to fertilize when your plant is not growing. With reduced light in the winter, many houseplants will cease growing. In early spring, when you see signs of growth, start fertilizing again. The longer, brighter days will trigger growth and a fresh start!

Winter is hard on both our plants and ourselves! Taking care of indoor plants in winter can be a huge struggle. But now that you’re armed with these tips for how to take care of houseplants in winter, you can easily grow beautiful houseplants all year round.