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| Chlorophytum comosum. Common names: Spider Plant. Hen-and-Chickens. - Photo: Wikimedia |
Many people do not know that plants need a special care during the winter. How can you tell that it is time? One touch of your fingers to that window glass will tell you just how cold it is outside. If your houseplant lives in a sunny window, you may want to move it 6" from the window. Any leaves in constant contact with that cold will not do well at all. Your houseplants can be decimated by a cold draft as well.
Moreover, your indoor air becomes dry in the winter from running your heater. Doesn't your own skin feel a little dry? The answer is not to water more often although you may need to do that also. The real answer is to mist the plant at least once a day. It is important that your houseplant leaves are clean.
You are better dust the leaves before you start misting those plants. Plants breathe through their leaves and a layer of dust can be suffocating. Plants really should have their leaves dusted at least once a week. Smooth leaves can be dusted with a soft cloth - no furniture polish, please. Fuzzy leaves such as the African violet can be dusted with a small paintbrush.
Hanging plants like the beautiful Spider do well with a monthly shower to clean their leaves. Make sure you use a gentle spray of water. Philodendron leaves can be cleaned with a solution of milk and water - very light on the milk. It will make the leaves shine.
If you have space try putting a layer of rock in a pan - an old cake pan or pizza pan - fill the pan with water and set your houseplants on top of the rocks. Instant humidity. If you don't have space for a pan, set out some decorative vases filled with water. You may just find that your own skin is feeling a little less dry.
It is better to check the light your houseplant is receiving. Days are shorter and you may need to supplement with artificial light if your plants are looking a little sad.
There should be a resting period for your plants as all plants need it. So you should stop the fertilizer for a couple of months. Trim off any yellowing leaves.
In summary, in houseplants different from outside plants will mainly get an impact from dirt.
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