Over the last decade houseplants have seen a resurgence in popularity.  However, growing houseplants during the middle of the winter in our region creates some unique challenges.  Reduced light and drier air create the perfect conditions for killing houseplants.  Here are six quick tips to help you out:

1. Cut back on watering.

2. Pay attention to sunlight.

3. Don't worry about a few dropped leaves.

4. Pause the fertilizer.

5. Up the humidity.

6. Patrol for houseplant pests.

These points above might seem like completely different factors, but they are all linked.  However, the two main factors are light and humidity, both of which can be in short supply during the winter.  Let's take a look at some of the ways they interact.

Reduced light during the winter can lead to a number of problems that are related to the points above.  With less sunlight, plants might respond by dropping a few leaves.  Why have a huge area devoted to photosynthesis if there is less light?  It's a survival mechanism for the plant.  If your houseplants require more light than your home can provide, consider supplementing the sun with a grow light.

Dropped leaves and less light also mean a reduction in the transpiration rate.  (How quickly a plant pulls in water from the soil and expels it into the air.)  This means that houseplants generally require less water during the winter.  However, this also depends on the humidity which can be effected by outdoor temperatures and your heating system.  One way to boost the humidity in your home is with a humidifier.  Reduced light, dropped leaves, and lower transpiration rates mean that your  houseplants also need less fertilizer during the winter months.

Ultimately, all of these factors can lead to your houseplants being stressed.  Like cold weather stressing our own immune system, a plant stressed by winter growing conditions is also susceptible to disease and pests.  For example, overwatering your plant when it needs less water can lead to root rot or fungus gnats.  Now is the time to slow down and pay attention to the needs of your indoor plants.  The challenges of winter growing can help you learn to troubleshoot plant growing issues and ultimately become a better gardener.