POMONA, N.Y. — While outdoor gardens are dormant during winter, indoor plants require adjusted care to stay healthy, according to experts at Down to Earth Living.
“Most houseplants slow their growth significantly in winter,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “Simple changes to watering, light, and placement can reduce stress and support plant health until spring.”
Among the most common winter issues are overwatering, low light, and dry indoor air.
Experts recommend watering only when the top inch or two of soil is dry, as most plants require less moisture during colder months. Moving plants closer to south- or west-facing windows and rotating them regularly can help compensate for shorter days. For tropical plants, increasing humidity through pebble trays or humidifiers can prevent dryness caused by indoor heating.
Fertilizing should generally be paused until late February or March, unless plants are actively growing under grow lights. Homeowners are also advised to monitor for common winter pests and wipe leaves clean to improve light absorption.
Down to Earth Living will reopen for the season on March 10 and will offer free on-site potting and re-potting services for customers purchasing houseplants or containers. The garden center, located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, serves Rockland, Bergen, Orange counties and the Hudson Valley.
For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit dteliving.com.