Houseplant care

AVOID THESE COMMON ISSUES TO ENSURE YOUR HOUSEPLANTS THRIVE THIS WINTER

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Houseplants can really brighten up the colder months, but the shorter, darker days mean you might encounter a few troublesome issues relating to their health along the way. Even the most robust indoor plants can struggle in winter, that's why learning how to spot problems before they worsen and adjust your care accordingly can help save your plants.

'Whether you're caring for a delicate orchid, a modern peace lily or the ever popular snake plant, giving your houseplants a little extra attention in winter will help them thrive, despite the drop in light levels and temperature,' says Rob Clarke, Westland's technical manager.

With the help of our most trusted houseplant experts, we've put together a guide to the most common winter houseplant problems, with tips for tackling them before it's too late.

OVERWATERING

Plants need less water during winter, but if you're a dedicated plant parent, it's all too easy to overdo it. That's why overwatering is one of the most common issues with plants, not only in winter but year-round. 'When it comes to caring for houseplants in winter, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes, as plants typically need less water in the cooler months,' explains David Denyer, flower expert at Eflorist. 'For most houseplants, watering once every two weeks should be enough, but check the moisture levels in the soil with your fingers to make sure.'