I usually have several houseplants but it seems like they die in the winter and I have to buy more. I am watering and fertilizing just the same and they are on the same windowsills. I don’t do anything any different. So why do they die on me?
Don’t take this personally, but you are killing them. Indoor plants that depend on natural light do not have the same growing conditions every month of the year. The majority of indoor plants have tropical origins. That means they originated in places warmer than Michigan.
During the winter, our outdoor plants have a rest. They are dormant. This rest period is necessary for their health and survival and they can handle the cold. Indoor plants or tropical plants have their rest period, too. It’s triggered for all plants by the short days and the lack of sun intensity.
Our planet tips away from the sun. The strength and length of light diminishes and the plant essentially shuts down. During this time, they are not using water or nutrients to grow; they are coasting until late February or March.
When you continue to pour on the water and fertilize, the plant isn’t using some of the water and all of the fertilizer. Wet soils cause root rots to occur. Root rots kill plants rapidly.
Keep soil somewhat moist but don’t let plants sit in water-filled trays. If your plants are succulents or cacti, let the soil dry between watering. Fertilizer can cause soluble salts to build up and cause root damage.
Do not use plant fertilizer during their dormancy. Check to see if the plants are getting blasted by cold air when doors are opened or hit with hot air from furnace vents or wood stoves.
Even though plants may not be active, insect or mite pests will continue to be a problem. So be sure to inspect for fungus gnats, spider mites and aphids. There are several others, so just keep looking. Get your pest identified and treat for the problem appropriately by roping in pestcontrol vaughan or any other pest control service that you have faith in. Almost all pesticides used outside cannot be used indoors so read the label. Review your care and change whatever is necessary.
Where can I find a list of plants and trees for my yard that don’t have any problems? I also want the plants to be low maintenance and not be poisonous.
May I suggest plastic?
There are no problem-free plants. It all goes back to the old saying, “the right plant for the right location.” This may come as a shock to some, but everything in a nursery will not do well just because you want it. It is necessary to know how much light the area is receiving.
Eight hours and above is considered full sun. Between eight and six is considered partial sun and under six is shade. If the area has dappled light from tall trees, this reduces the light considerably.
It’s wise to research what kinds of plants you want before buying. You are looking for information on the amount of light needed and any information on what kinds of soil and soil pH are needed. You might want to get a soil test to determine what you have.
If the soil type and nutrients are different, are you willing to change them? If the answer is, “no,” pick something else. Plants will not grow just because you want them or paid for them. Also research how much care is needed. If a low amount of maintenance is important, read carefully. If you want no care plants, we’re back to plastic plants or penguin statues instead. All plants will require water when there is not enough rain. Most will benefit from mulching.
Now you can move onto finding out if your future plant picks are poisonous. You will be amazed at how many are. This might not be important unless there are small children or weird pets to contend with. Plan now for spring. A garden well planned is half made.
Contact Gretchen Voyle, MSU Extension-Livingston County Horticulture Educator, at (517) 546-3950.
