5 Mistakes That Kill Your Plants in Winter

Humans shift to power-saving mode as winter nears and take all necessary steps to make these chilly months as comfortable as possible. We must take care of the plants throughout these few months because they can't do it on their own.

The winter season is a time of hibernation for several plants. They can therefore stop growing altogether or only slow down. They can go into shock as a result of extremely low temperatures. Therefore, we must provide them with more care during these perhaps trying months.

Potential threats to your plants in winter

Here are some potential threats to your plants and what you may do to avoid them.

Relocate Your Plants

Plants in the ground can't be moved, of course, but potted plants need to be placed where they will receive the most sunlight. Since the days gradually get shorter during the winter, the plants should be moved to the direction of the light so they can get as much sun exposure as they can.

Additionally, they should be kept away from strong winds and cold breezes. Ensure that there is no dew on the plant's leaf; if there is, you can wipe it off. Succulents are delicate plants that might be killed by water deposits because of their sensitivity.

You can bring your outdoor potted plants inside and place them next to the sunniest window. Additionally, keep the window clean to let more sunshine through as compared to one that is dirty, which would filter the light. The plant can survive freezing temperatures with the aid of little things.

Avoid Cold Water for Watering Your Plants

Have you ever been half asleep when you headed to the bathroom after waking up on a chilly winter morning, turned on the faucet, and then gasped in shock? Yes, there are times when the tap water is so bitterly cold that washing your hands in it causes pain. Your plants could also be harmed by this incredibly cold water.

The sensitive roots will go into shock as a result of the chilly water. A nice routine would be to fill a bucket with water as soon as you wake up in the morning, let it sit until it reaches at least room temperature, and then water all of your plants.

Avoid Overwatering

Wintertime makes it very easy to overwater a plant. Given how dry the air is in the winter, it may seem counterintuitive to avoid watering your plants, but this is the time of year when plants are most prone to root rot. The evaporation rate also greatly reduces due to the minimal solar exposure.

As a result, the water in the pot stays in the pot for a longer time, allowing the roots more time to decay. It may be difficult, but wait to water your plants until the soil is fully dry or a pressing need emerges.

Because temperatures drop dramatically at night and the water in the soil becomes extremely cold, watering a plant in the evening or at night may be harmful to the plant's delicate roots. The early morning hours when the sun is just starting to warm the ground would be ideal.

Clean Your Plants

To ensure that the plant can absorb the most sunlight possible in the winter, you should ensure that it is functioning at its best. Plants cannot undertake photosynthesis as effectively as they can when dust builds up on their leaves. The easiest way to make your plants seem attractive and give them the best chance to absorb all the sun they can is to clean the surface of the leaves using a soft, damp cloth. Removing any dead leaves or stems is part of cleaning your plants. Healthy leaves and stems can become contaminated by dead or rotting ones. 

Therefore, it is important to promptly dispose of the dead parts. Moreover, remove any weeds from the pot. In some cases, weeds grow in the pot without you even planting anything, but they drain the soil's nutrients.

Repot Your Plant

Plant repotting should be avoided during the winter. In the winter, when plants are in their dormant period, repotting can easily upset the root structure, sending the plant into shock. Early spring, which comes in February, is when repotting should be done.