Air, light and love

During the (pre-)Christmas season, everything revolves around Christmas trees and the like, but our houseplants now need more care to get through the winter despite dry heating air and less daylight.

Insufficient light, dry, warm air from heating systems, and excessive fertilizer can weaken houseplants to such an extent that diseases and pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects can spread. If it's not possible to place the plants near a window, you can compensate for the lack of light with LED lighting.

To prevent pest infestations, the plants should be rinsed with lukewarm water every four to six weeks. Large-leaved varieties can also be wiped occasionally with a soft, damp cloth. A positive side effect is that this also washes away dust from the leaves, which also blocks light.

Water less.

Unless the plants are kept in fully heated rooms, they need less water and fewer nutrients during the winter months, as they don't grow as vigorously. Water your favorite greenery when the soil on top of the pot looks dry. Room-temperature water is best. Most plants don't tolerate waterlogging, so it's advisable to empty any excess water from the saucer or cachepot.