Winter changes how plants live in our homes. Light shifts. Indoor air dries. Soil stays damp longer than we expect. And without realizing it, we often keep caring for our plants the same way we did in summer.
When plants start to look “off” this time of year, it’s easy to assume something’s wrong. More often, they’re simply responding to the season. Growth slows. Leaves behave differently. Needs change.
Winter care isn’t about fixing problems — it’s about noticing what’s different and adjusting gently.
Why Winter Changes Plant Behavior
Shorter days mean plants have less light to work with. Lower sun angles reduce how much usable light reaches leaves, even in bright rooms. Cooler temperatures slow root activity, so water and nutrients move more slowly through the plant.
Together, these shifts mean plants need less — less water, less feeding, less disturbance. Many winter issues come from doing too much, not too little.
Do: Move Plants Closer to the Window
Winter light is weaker than it looks. A room can feel bright and still offer very little usable light for plants.
Moving plants closer to windows, especially south- or west-facing ones, can make a real difference. Even a small change in placement helps plants capture more of the light available.
You don’t need to chase perfect light — just a little closer often helps.
Don't: Water the Same Way You Do in Summer
As plants slow down, soil dries more slowly. Water sits longer in the pot, especially in winter.
Instead of watering on a schedule, check the soil first — a few inches down, not just the surface. Letting soil dry a bit more between waterings helps prevent stress at the roots.
In winter, it’s okay to pause and wait.
Do: Keep Plants Away from Drafts and Heaters
Cold drafts from windows and hot air from heaters can stress plants quickly. Leaves may soften, darken, or look a little tired where temperatures shift suddenly.
Sometimes the solution is simple: moving a plant a few inches away from cold glass or direct heat can help it settle back in.
Plants prefer steadiness over extremes.
Don't: Repot — Wait Until Spring
In winter, roots focus on staying healthy rather than growing. Repotting during this time can slow recovery, even for otherwise healthy plants.
Unless a plant is clearly struggling, spring is a better time to repot, when longer days naturally support new root growth.
Waiting is part of care, too.
A Gentler Way to Think About Winter Plant Care
Slower growth, damp soil, and small changes in appearance aren’t signs you’re doing something wrong. They’re simply how plants move through winter.
At Kanso, we believe plant care should feel supportive, not stressful — something that fits naturally into your home and routines. Winter is a reminder that sometimes the best care is just paying closer attention.
For more seasonal plant care notes and everyday plant moments, follow along with us on our socials at @kansodesigns.
Which plant in your home feels the most different once winter arrives?
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