Learn how and why the time of year affects your houseplants. Why houseplants might not be growing can have to do with time of year. How indoor temperature affects houseplants.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the description below. You’ll also see links to any videos I mentioned in this video.
Okay, so today I’m going to talk to you about why the time of year matters for your houseplants. There are various reasons why the time of year does matter for your houseplants and how it affects plant growth. You’d think that since you’re indoors and can create a simulated environment for houseplants, the time of year wouldn’t matter, but it actually does.
One reason why it definitely matters is lighting. During the winter months, the days shorten considerably, resulting in less light coming into your windows. This does affect plant growth. Plants essentially sense what time of year it is, even though it’s outdoors. They know that it’s spring and will start growing, or they realize it’s fall and are approaching winter, causing them to slow down their growth and enter a rest or hibernation mode. Therefore, they will align with the seasons to a certain extent.
Can you do things like force bulbs, which I have vivid videos on? Can you make them grow indoors when they wouldn’t be growing outdoors? Of course you can, and you can continue to do that. However, you will notice subtle differences in how plants respond to the changing seasons. One significant change is that plants will slow down or even stop growth during wintertime. So if you’re wondering why your plant isn’t growing and it’s winter, it’s because it’s winter. The outdoor counterparts of your plants have slowed or stopped growth altogether, and your indoor plant will follow suit.
In the summer months, plants may slow down a little, especially in climates experiencing extreme heat. However, during springtime, most plants recognize it’s time to grow; there are hormones in the air for the plants, and they all start growing like crazy. This seasonal change will affect your indoor plants just as much as it affects your outdoor plants. In the fall, once again, growth starts to slow down as plants take up extra moisture and any last fertilization they received. This prepares them to enter a state of semi-dormancy, just maintaining themselves.
You do want to make sure to do one of your last feedings in the fall and then take a break until about late February or March, which is better for many of your plants. Keep in mind that your plants are aware of what their outdoor counterparts are doing. However, do know this: your plants are very excited to be indoors and not dealing with blizzards, ferocious rainstorms, or the hot blazing sun.
Another thing that happens with the time of year is that humidity changes. Humidity levels in your home will fluctuate throughout the year based on outdoor conditions. For instance, in a hot climate, hot, dry air can come into your home, or in the winter, your heater will dry out your plants. Conversely, in the summertime, your air conditioner will also reduce humidity levels.
It’s important to keep an eye on your humidity levels throughout the year, and a hygrometer is a great way to do that. This instrument is easy to find online, and it will show you the relative humidity and temperature, helping you monitor your plants. Each plant requires various humidity levels and temperature extremes, so knowing what they can tolerate will help you create a comfortable environment for them.
Remember, you can control the climate in your house to a certain extent. By being aware of how your plants are responding to seasonal changes outdoors, you can make informed decisions to ensure they are happy and healthy. This, in turn, will allow them to grow beautifully and put a smile on your face, as well as delight any visitors to your home.
That’s all for today on how the time of year affects your houseplants. If you’re having any issues with a plant or if it doesn’t seem to be growing, consider the time of year as part of your checklist for diagnosing the problem.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified when we upload new videos.
FAQ About Houseplants and Seasonal Changes
Why does the time of year matter for my houseplants?
The time of year affects houseplants primarily due to changes in light levels and humidity. Even indoors, plants sense seasonal changes, which influence their growth patterns.
How does lighting impact houseplant growth in winter?
During winter months, shorter days result in less light coming through your windows, which slows down plant growth. Plants may enter a rest or hibernation mode as a response.
Can I force bulbs to grow indoors during winter?
Yes, you can force bulbs to grow indoors. However, you may notice that plants respond differently to seasonal changes, and growth may slow or stop during winter.
What should I do if my plants are not growing in winter?
If your plants are not growing during winter, it is likely due to the natural seasonal changes that affect growth. The outdoor counterparts of your plants may have slowed or stopped growing as well.
How do seasonal changes affect humidity for houseplants?
Humidity levels in your home can fluctuate throughout the year. Hot, dry air in summer or the dry air from heating in winter can negatively impact plants, making it essential to monitor humidity levels.
What tools can I use to monitor humidity levels for my plants?
A hygrometer is an effective tool for measuring humidity and temperature levels in your home, helping you create a comfortable environment for your houseplants.
How often should I feed my houseplants during the year?
It is recommended to do one of your last feedings in the fall and then take a break until late February or March to ensure your plants are well-maintained throughout the seasons.
What are some signs that my houseplants are affected by seasonal changes?
Signs of seasonal impact on houseplants include slowed growth, leaf drop, and changes in moisture levels. Being aware of seasonal shifts can help you adjust your care routine accordingly.
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