Solution: Check your plants often for the signs of spider mites: tiny
webs between the leaves and stems, leaves that look dull or pale. If you see
them, rinse your plant in the kitchen sink or in your shower. Prevent
attacks by raising the humidity levels around the plants – group plants
close together, or place them on a pebble tray (a dishpan with gravel to
raise the plant out of the water will work) and keep the bottom of the tray
wet.
Dropping Leaves
Many plants drop lower leaves as part of their natural growth process. If
you feel that the leaf drop is excessive, you might be under-watering the
plant. Resist the temptation, however, to overcompensate by drowning it!
Learn how to tell when your plant needs water. Foliage plants should be
watered when the soil is dry down to 1” below the top. Stick your finger
in to check. Flowering plants that bloom year-round need constantly moist
soil. Flowering plants that are in dormancy have the same requirements as
foliage plants.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves usually indicate over-watering. As I’ve mentioned,
plants usually need less water during the winter.
Loss of Color/Variegation in Leaves
Plants such as coleus, croton, some varieties of
pothos, etc. are valued
for their colorful or variegated foliage. In the winter months, while these
plants may remain healthy, they might disappoint you by sporting ordinary
green leaves. Insufficient light is the problem. More light equals more
color! Either move them to a sunnier spot or simply put up with the loss of
variegation. It probably won’t harm the plant, and the color will return
when the plant gets more sunshine.
Windowsill Plants
This might seem obvious, but many people keep their plants on a
windowsill right next to the glass. When the air outside gets too cold (not
necessarily below freezing), any leaves that touch the glass will be
damaged. Consider moving these plants away when the weather forecast calls
for temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even if your windows are of
the super-insulated variety.
For many houseplants, winter is a time of stasis – simply maintaining
health and saving energy for the surge of growth that occurs in the spring.
Keep an eye on them, though, just as you would a sleeping child. When the
days get longer and growth begins again, your plants will be much more
lovely if they don’t have to recover from damage.
