Partner Post: Four Tips to Help Houseplants Thrive This Winter

Costa Farms

Have the winter blues set in? The combination of harsh weather, short days and dreary landscapes can make the season seem like it’ll go on forever. There is a remedy, though: bring the outdoors in with attractive houseplants.

Brightening up an indoor space with leafy, green houseplants can really boost your mood - and your health. Studies from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have found that levels of indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher — and in some cases 10 times more polluted —than outdoor air, which is why it's important to purify the air in your home.

Houseplants such as peace lilies, Boston ferns and Chinese evergreens clean the air every minute of the day. They absorb up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that hide in ordinary household products such as paints, carpets and ink.

The winter season is just as challenging for houseplants as it can be for people, however. Light is low, days are short and indoor humidity is terrible. With just a little care though, houseplants can thrive and brighten winter days.

Check out these 4 tips to help houseplants thrive over winter:

Keep leaves green. Brown leaf tips or edges mean a houseplant isn’t getting enough moisture. Fix this by placing a humidifier near plants, clustering plants together or placing the plant on a tray of pebbles and water.
Keep water in check. Water plants when soil is dry to the touch, about every seven to ten days.
Let in the light. A houseplant lets you know the spot is right by maintaining healthy leaves. If there’s enough light for you to read by, there’s probably enough for a low-light houseplant. Avoid placing plants near heat or air conditioning ducts, on TVs, or between the curtains and a chilly window.
Stay comfy and cozy. Houseplants are happiest when temperatures are between 70 and 80ºF during the day and 10 to 15 degrees cooler at night, but thrive in basically the same temperatures you’re comfortable in.

Try these tips with your indoor plants to keep them happy during the cold months so that they'll be start the spring season healthy and strong.