Winter feeding of indoor flowers: when and how to do it right

It is believed that in the winter season, indoor plants go into a dormant period – there is little sunlight, they slow down their growth and therefore do not need to be fed. However, experienced gardeners say that in fact, the need for fertilization changes, but does not disappear completely.

Better Homes and Gardens magazine has revealed how to properly fertilize your indoor garden in the winter months. The magazine has collected tips on winter plant care that will help keep your plants lush and vibrant.

Why do indoor plants need fertilizer?

Fertilizers for indoor plants contain essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. All of them are essential for healthy growth. In spring and summer, when flowers are actively growing and blooming, they are essential. However, depending on the plant, it may also need nutrition in other seasons.

Without fertilizer, indoor plants can become stunted and stop blooming, and their leaves can turn yellow or brown. However, in winter, it is important to make sure that fertilization is not too intense – this can cause irreparable damage to the flowers, such as burns to the roots and leaves.

Do I need to fertilize houseplants in winter?

During the winter months, houseplants receive less natural light and do not grow as fast. As a result, they need minimal or no fertilization. You can determine this by fairly clear criteria.

If you get your indoor garden in natural light, they usually do not produce new leaves or flowers in winter. In this case, you can refuse to feed them. You also don't need to fertilize the flowers that you transplanted in the fall – the soil under them is still sufficiently saturated with nutrients.

If your plants are growing under grow lights and are actively producing new leaves and flowers, they may need fertilizer. You should also fertilize flowers that show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves with visible green veins.

Remember, when it comes to fertilizing, less is more. Excessive fertilization of indoor flowers is much more harmful than its complete absence. Therefore, if you are in doubt about whether your flowers need fertilizing, it is better to take a break for the winter. Use the products only when your plants signal any problems with their appearance.

How to fertilize indoor plants in winter

Since plants don't absorb nutrients as easily in winter as they do in summer, fertilizers are more likely to accumulate in the soil during the cold season. If you do decide to fertilize your plants in winter, here are some tips to help you do it right.

• Choose liquid organic fertilizers. This is the form of nutrient that is best absorbed in winter. Liquid fertilizers do not accumulate in the soil as much as granular forms of the product.
• Dilute fertilizers before applying. Even if your plants are growing vigorously in winter and need nutrition, don't apply it directly. Instead, dilute the fertilizer with water. The concentration can be reduced to as little as 1/4 of the recommended dose.
• Apply fertilizer only when necessary. Diluted fertilizer can be applied to plants that continue to grow about once a month. However, there is no universal rule for fertilizing in winter, and you may need to adjust your fertilization schedule depending on your plant.
• Use overhead watering. Bottom watering works well for many houseplants but can lead to fertilizer salts accumulating in the pots. To avoid this problem, water your houseplants through the soil surface. Or alternate between bottom watering and top watering.

• Adjust the lighting as needed. Make sure your houseplants get enough light in the winter before fertilizing them. Plants absorb fertilizers better when they get plenty of light.
• Watch out for signs of fertilizer overuse. If your plants show signs of fertilizer stress, such as leaf drop or browning at the edges of the leaf blade, stop fertilizing immediately.

Proper care of indoor plants in winter

Many houseplants don't need fertilizer in winter. But that doesn't mean you can't help them stay in good condition with the right care. Besides fertilizer, there are a few other ways to help your houseplants grow better during the winter months.

• Add more light. If your flowers are drooping, paling, or stretching toward the light source, equip your indoor garden with additional phytolamps.
• Keep the leaves clean. Dust and debris accumulate on the leaves of plants and make it difficult for them to photosynthesize. However, you can help your plants absorb the necessary winter light by occasionally wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
• Increase the humidity. The leaves of indoor plants often turn brown and dry in winter due to a lack of moisture in the indoor air. Spray your plants at least once every few days or install a humidifier.
• Check for pests. Sometimes, harmful insects can penetrate houseplants even in winter and cause various problems, such as yellow dots on the leaves. If you notice signs of pests, isolate the infected plant and start treating its leaves with an organic insecticidal soap spray.

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