Winter is a test of endurance for maids. There is little light, the heating dries out the air, and the plants often begin to stretch out for the little sunlight that penetrates through the window during the day. In order to keep them healthy and beautiful, it is enough to devote them to one unobtrusive but effective ritual.
Winter means a change of rhythm for houseplants. The days are shorter, the light is fading and the warm air from the heater is taking a toll on them. Although plants rest in winter, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take care of them. Quite the opposite. One of which significantly help the plants, is the rotation of the flower pots. It may sound trite, but this little thing can do wonders.
Watch a video on whether you need to move roommates for light in winter here:
“Personally, I don’t recommend moving plants behind the light. You just have to rotate the pot regularly. They have their vegetative state and this would change the conditions for them, which they would have to get used to,” Simona Görtlerová, the owner of the flower shop, revealed to iReceptář.
Plants grow for light
Who has a ficus at home, he may have noticed that over time the plant starts leaning towards the window. This is due to a natural phenomenon called phototropism. The plant simply reaches for the light that it lacks so much in winter. If we let it stand still, it will soon be one-sided, thick on one side and lean on the other.
Spin as a small balance
It is ideal to turn the plant a quarter turn every seven to ten days. In this way, light reaches all sides and retains its natural shape. For plants that stand near the window, this has another advantage, the leaves do not always heat up on the same side and the plant acclimates evenly.
When this ritual is included in your routine care, you will soon notice the difference. The plant will stand upright, the leaves will be thicker and healthier. In addition, on that occasion you can check whether the soil is too dry or whether the leaves need to be cleaned of dust.
When to start turning
As soon as the days get shorter and the plants start to lose strength, usually sometime in November, it’s a good time to start. During the winter, the light is weak and usually only comes from one side. If the plant is further away from the window, rotation is all the more important. On the contrary, for plants that you have directly on the windowsill, occasional turning is sufficient. Be careful, however, that after turning their leaves do not touch the cold glass.
A low-key routine with a big effect
Rotating the pots has another advantage, it helps you to check the plants regularly. If you approach them once a week, you will often notice small problems before they grow, such as a dead leaf, a pest or too dry soil.
This little ritual can easily become a pleasant part of the week. If you make a coffee on Sunday and go “for a walk” to your green friends, it will take a few minutes, but the plants will repay you.
Winter light and a little patience
Remember that the growth of most houseplants slows down in the winter. They don’t need as much water or fertilizer, but light is key for them. Turn them from time to time in the direction where the rays are falling, and if you have the opportunity, give them a brighter place.
In short, turning pots is a small but important ritual that keeps plants in balance even when it’s dark and cold outside.
