All my plant chirren are in sustainment mode. If you reside in the Northern hemisphere, winter solstice is approaching. During winter, plant care should shift to what I call "sustainment care." What is the difference between growth care and sustainment care? Brief thread:
Similar to lots of other organisms, the sun (and subsequently, heat) guides energy outputs and food consumption.
This means that when daylight is reduced, your plant's metabolic systems slow down just a bit. We know that plants use light to make their food (glucose). In winter, there is less light available for food production.
Less food for your plant means less resources for all of the plant's body. Can you just add "plant food" to make up for this reduction in light? No you cannot. The plant requires light to metabolize these supplemental nutrients. Do not feed houseplants in winter.
How can you help your plant sustain itself best over winter? The number one thing you can do is prune. Clip any leaf or branch that is not in tip-top shape. This way, the plant is making efficient use of its limited food stores.
You will notice soil drying out slower. This means the water is evaporating at a slower rate. However, it also means the plant is using less of it, and also using it a slower rate. To avoid root rot, you may need to extend the time between waterings by 3-7 days.
In winter I water my Fiddle Leaf Fig, Bird of Paradise, Yucca Cane, Mass Cane and Rubber Tree every 2 weeks vs. every week in the summer. That is an extra week they prefer in the winter!
Your plant will likely shed more leaves or branches than it did in summer. Don't panic, this is normal. Your plant is getting rid of its oldest or weakest parts to make best use of its own limited food stores. It will replenish in spring.
Lastly, your plant may not make it thru winter. If it was not healthy going into winter, it just may not be able to sustain itself. This is normal too, don't be upset. Fin. đŸŒ±
Sorry, need to add two more: 1) Mist heavily in winter (exception to snake plants & succulents). I do not normally mist my plants, but I do once monthly in winter. They don't like dry air. 2) Don't water peace lilies too much less. Peace lilies are thirsty as hell all year. 😒
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