Overwintering houseplants

Most houseplants come from tropical and subtropical regions – certainly nearer to the equator than we are.

There they enjoy fairly constant light levels throughout the year. Further north, and there’s quite a divergence between winter at one extreme and summer at the other. To make up the shortfall in (our) winter, they need as much light as possible – even if in their natural habitat they may be in shade. In other words, six hours of bright northern winter light = ten hours (or possibly more) of tropical shade. It’s a matter of persuading them they are at home.

Give houseplants such as Sanseviera full light during the winter months

Don’t put them right up against a window, however, as delicate leaves can scorch. And keep them on the cool side – you are trying to induce dormancy here (in the tropics they can grow year round). They should perk up noticeably come January, when I’ll return to this topic.

Tags: equator, houseplants, light levels, mother in law's tongue, north, northern hemisphere, overwintering houseplants, protecting houseplants over winter, sanseviera, shade, subtropical regions, subtropics, tropical regions, tropics, winter care of houseplants