09/01/2026
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🌿 Winter Watering Program for Houseplants
Many plant lovers struggle with watering during winter because plant needs change with colder temperatures and lower light. This simple winter watering routine will help you avoid root rot and keep your plants healthy.
1️⃣ The golden rule
Water only when the top 1–2 inches (3–5 cm) of soil are dry.
Quick test: stick your finger or a wooden stick into the soil.
• Dry and clean = water
• Damp or soil sticking = wait
2️⃣ Approximate winter schedule by plant type
These are general guidelines—always check the soil first:
• Cacti & succulents: every 2–4 weeks
• Common houseplants (pothos, philodendron, dracaena): every 10–14 days
• Moisture-loving plants (ferns, calathea): every 7–10 days, small amounts
• Large plants in big pots: sometimes every 2–3 weeks (soil dries slower)
3️⃣ The right amount of water
Give one deep watering until a little water drains from the bottom.
Empty the saucer after 10 minutes.
Relatable mistake 😅: small daily splashes keep soil constantly wet and suffocate roots.
4️⃣ Best time to water
Morning or late morning is ideal.
Watering at night in winter keeps soil cold and wet for too long—hello yellow leaves.
5️⃣ Adjust the location before adjusting water
Plants far from light or near cold windows need much less water.
Move them closer to bright, indirect light and away from cold drafts.
6️⃣ Warning signs you’re overwatering
• Musty or rotten smell
• Soil stays wet for days
• Soft yellow leaves falling fast
• Small fungus on soil surface
Quick fix: stop watering, improve airflow, and check drainage.
7️⃣ Smart soil upgrade (winter lifesaver)
If soil is heavy, add perlite, coarse sand, or bark when repotting.
Light, airy soil = much safer roots in winter.