4 Tips To Keep Houseplants from Drying Out Over Winter

The weather outside may be frightful, but the heat inside may be killing your houseplants. While it’s natural to assume that your houseplants are as happy as you are in a well-heated home, the truth is that your home’s heat can cause plants to dry out more quickly than normal. The warm, dry air lowers the humidity inside your home, which increases both evaporation and transpiration, causing plants and soils to lose moisture at a faster rate.

Whether you’re moving outside plants indoors or caring for the ones that live inside year-round, here are a few tips to keep your houseplants from drying out in the winter heat.

1. Location: 
   Where possible move plants away from heat sources and out of the direct path of airflow from vents. While it’s important to consider available sunlight, relocating plants to the more humid areas around your home, such as kitchens and bathrooms, can help reduce how quickly they dry out. If you use a humidifier, try moving plants nearby so they can reap it’s benefits too.
2. Grouping:  
   As plants transpire, they release moisture into the surrounding air space. Grouping plants together will create a more humid microclimate around them. When grouping, avoid overcrowding that will restrict air and light to reach the leaves. Periodically rotating and rearranging the grouped plants will also help balance airflow and light.
3. Water Trays
   Placing trays of water under or near plants is another way to increase humidity. As moisture evaporates from the trays, it will create a more humid environment in the immediate surrounding. Plants should not be placed directly into trays of water as this can lead to issues with fungus and root rot. Instead, use small stones or other means to prop plant pots above the water line.
4. Hydretain
   Hydretain is an easy application to protect plants from drying out at any time of the year. As winter heat increases evaporation and transpiration rates, Hydretain works to reduce soil moisture loss by attracting evaporating water molecules and condensing them back into usable water droplets that plant roots can absorb. In addition to reducing evaporative loss, Hydretain helps keep up with the increased demand from transpiration by creating additional water droplets for plant use. To apply, simply mix liquid Hydretain at a rate of 2 oz per gallon of water and drench plants as you would in a normal watering, or sprinkler granular Hydretain around the soil at the top of the pot per these application rates and water it in. Each Hydretain application lasts up to 3 months.

When it comes to keeping your plants hydrated, we’re here to help. Please contact us with any questions.