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A House Beautiful report recommends four seasonal changes to houseplant care: move plants toward brighter light while avoiding drafts and radiators, water and feed less as growth slows, group plants to raise humidity, and wipe dust from leaves. B&Q horticulture expert Mark Sage advises letting soil dry between waterings and cleaning leaves every one to two weeks.
A House Beautiful report recommends four changes to houseplant care for winter, when reduced daylight, cooler temperatures and dry indoor air can affect plants’ needs. B&Q horticulture expert Mark Sage advises adjusting plant placement, watering and feeding, humidity, and leaf cleaning rather than continuing a summer routine unchanged.
Sage advises moving plants closer to a bright window as daylight diminishes, while keeping them away from cold drafts and radiators. He also suggests considering where sunlight falls at home; a plant light may help where natural light is limited, and rotating larger plants can help prevent uneven, stretched growth.
As growth slows, plants generally need less water and feeding, Sage says. He recommends allowing soil to dry between waterings to reduce the risk of root rot and says winter is not the time for regular repotting. His suggested feeding schedule is to give plants a final dose at the end of autumn, rather than continuing frequent feeding through winter.
The other two habits focus on indoor conditions and leaf care. Grouping plants can create a more humid microclimate, which may help when central heating dries the air. Sage also recommends wiping leaves with a microfibre cloth every one to two weeks so dust does not limit their ability to use the available light. He says an occasional gentle shower with lukewarm water can remove dust and pests, but water that is too cold or too hot can harm plants.
Why Winter Care Changes Matter
Houseplants remain indoors during winter, but the conditions around them change. Shorter days mean less natural light, while heating can make indoor air drier and window areas may expose plants to cold drafts. A routine suited to stronger summer growth may not fit those conditions.
The advice is practical because it focuses on small adjustments rather than adding more tasks. Less watering and feeding can help avoid problems when plants grow more slowly, while cleaner leaves and better placement help them make use of limited light. Grouping plants may also provide a locally more humid environment. The report offers general guidance, not a guarantee that every plant will respond the same way.
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How the Four Habits Fit Together
The report describes a seasonal shift: many houseplants grow more slowly in autumn and winter as daylight declines. That can change how quickly they use water and nutrients. Sage’s advice is to respond to the slower period by reducing routine interventions, rather than trying to encourage growth with extra watering, feeding or repotting.
The four recommendations address different parts of winter care: light and location, water and feed, humidity, and leaf cleanliness. The report names common houseplants such as spider plants, peace lilies and monsteras, but does not provide separate instructions for each species. Its suggestions are attributed to Sage, B&Q’s horticulture expert, in House Beautiful’s report.
“It’s always a good idea to move them closer to a bright window as darker days hit, but make sure to avoid cold drafts and radiators.”
— Mark Sage, B&Q horticulture expert, as quoted by House Beautiful
Plant Needs Still Vary
The recommendations are broad seasonal guidance, and the report does not specify how care should differ by plant species, pot size, soil or home conditions. It also gives no measurements for indoor humidity, light levels or watering intervals. The suggestion to let soil dry between waterings is not a fixed schedule; how quickly soil dries can vary.
The report does not present trial results or quantify how much the habits affect plant health. Its recommendations are attributed to Sage, and outcomes for individual plants may depend on their particular needs and surroundings.
Adjust Care Through Winter
Houseplant owners can use the recommendations as a starting point through autumn and winter: check that plants receive suitable light without sitting in drafts or near radiators, and assess soil before watering rather than following a summer schedule. Keep an eye on leaves and growth as conditions change.
The report does not announce a new program or further update. It advises continuing to monitor plants and adjusting care to their surroundings, with less frequent watering and feeding during slower growth and regular dust removal. Any plant-specific questions remain outside the report’s general recommendations.
Key Questions
How often should I wipe houseplant leaves in winter?
Sage recommends wiping leaves with a microfibre cloth every one to two weeks to remove dust and help plants use available light.
Should I water houseplants more in winter?
The report says plants generally need less water as growth slows. Sage advises allowing soil to dry between waterings, rather than watering more often. The report does not give a universal schedule.
Where should I put houseplants during winter?
Sage suggests moving them closer to a bright window as days get darker, while avoiding cold drafts and radiators. A plant light may help where natural light is limited.
Does grouping plants help them in winter?
Sage says clustering plants can create a more humid microclimate, which may help when central heating dries indoor air.
Source: housebeautiful.com
