Introduction
Winter presents unique challenges for indoor plants: lower daylight hours, drier air due to heating systems, cooler windowsills, and maybe less attention from us. Because of these changes, many myths circulate among plant‑lovers about what you must or mustn’t do with your houseplants in winter. Some of these myths are harmless; others can actually harm your plants if you follow them blindly.
Below are ten of the most repeated indoor‑plant myths during winter. For each: the myth, why it’s false (or at least misleading), what the science or expert advice says, and what you should do instead. Use this as your winter‑plant‑care toolkit.
1. Myth: “Indoor plants go completely dormant in winter”
Why it’s repeated: Because outside, many temperate plants slow or stop growth in winter. It seems logical to assume houseplants do the same.
Reality / Why it’s false: Many houseplants originate in tropical or subtropical zones where there isn’t a true winter dormancy. According to one source: “Most of the plants come from warm and humid regions… in winter the air is dry and days are colder, so people assume dormancy.” gardenmyths.com+3FNP+3Epic Gardening+3 Also, indoor environments are more stable (temperature, light) than many outdoor climates, so plants may continue slow growth rather than full dormancy.
What to do instead: Recognize that growth may slow in winter (due to less light and cooler conditions), but many plants still uptake water and nutrients. Adjust care accordingly: reduce but don’t stop watering completely; hold off heavy fertilising; give as much light as you can. Treat it as a slower pace season rather than a “zero growth” period.
2. Myth: “You must reduce watering drastically because plants aren’t growing”
Why it’s repeated: Often linked to the above myth (dormancy), many advise “plants don’t need water in winter so water very little.”
Reality / Why it’s misleading: While plants may grow more slowly, they still transpire (lose water) and use water for root and leaf maintenance. Moreover, indoor heating can dry out soil and air, increasing water stress. One article emphasises green plants indoors in winter face dry air and low light. The Garden Magazine+1 Over‑watering is a risk, but under‑watering (or completely neglecting) is also.
What to do instead: Check soil moisture rather than follow a strict calendar. Let the top inch or so of medium dry (depending on plant type) before watering. Ensure pot drainage is good. Avoid surface watering only—water deeply so roots are engaged. Adjust frequency downward, but don’t skip watering entirely.
3. Myth: “Indoor plants don’t need fertilising in winter at all”
Why it’s repeated: Because plants grow more slowly, many assume they require no nutrients or that fertiliser is harmful during winter.
Reality / Why it’s partially true/false: Many sources indicate that because growth slows, fertiliser uptake drops and excess salts can accumulate, causing root damage. Ideal Home+1 However, the blanket statement “never feed in winter” isn’t universally correct — it depends on plant species, indoor lighting, and growth conditions (for example, plants under grow lights may still be active).
What to do instead: Assess your plant’s growth. If it shows signs of new growth (shoots, leaf expansion) and receives adequate light, a light feeding with diluted fertiliser can be okay. But for many houseplants in low‑light winter conditions, it’s safer to pause fertilising and resume in spring. Use a gentle product and dilute to half strength if you choose to feed.
4. Myth: “Repotting in winter is a bad idea — wait until spring”
Why it’s repeated: The idea comes from outdoor plant care, where spring or fall are preferred for repotting or transplanting.
Reality / Why false: Indoor plants can often be repotted any time if needed (e.g., they’re root‑bound or the soil is degraded). Several sources explicitly debunk the myth. The Spruce+1
What to do instead: If a plant clearly needs repotting (roots circling, very compacted soil, water drains too fast), go ahead regardless of the season — just take care to reduce stress: keep the plant stable, avoid extreme movement, give it good conditions (light, water) and monitor afterwards. But for many plants, if they’re doing okay, you can defer repotting till spring.
5. Myth: “Misting plants will increase humidity sufficiently in winter”
Why it’s repeated: Many believe that simply spraying water on leaves will increase the moisture around the plant and help with dry indoor air.
Reality / Why it’s misleading: Misting may temporarily raise humidity around a plant's surface but doesn’t significantly raise ambient room humidity or address the underlying dryness from heating systems. Some articles note that the benefit is minimal or superficial. www.fnp.ae+1
What to do instead: If humidity is a concern (many tropical houseplants dislike overly dry air in winter), use better solutions: a humidifier, grouping plants together to create a micro‑climate, use pebble trays (with caution), or place plants in naturally more humid rooms (bathroom, kitchen) if light permits. Misting can be occasional but shouldn’t be the sole humidity strategy.
6. Myth: “Indoor plants must be placed in the sunniest spot possible during winter”
Why it’s repeated: As light decreases in winter, many assume “more sun is always better” for indoor plants.
Reality / Why false/over‑generalised: While many houseplants appreciate more light, some species prefer indirect light and too much direct low‑angle winter sun can scorch leaves or cause overheating near glass. Also, the sun's angle and intensity are different in winter. Some sources emphasise that not all plants need direct sunlight. officeplanttoronto.com+1
What to do instead: Know your plant’s light needs. If it can handle bright direct window light, position accordingly; if it prefers filtered light, avoid cold drafts or glass proximity. Use a grow light supplement if natural light is very weak. Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides get light.
7. Myth: “Over‑watering is the only danger in winter; under‑watering is not a big deal”
Why it’s repeated: Because reduced watering needs are emphasised, some assume under‑watering is harmless.
Reality / Why false: Under‑watering (or allowing soil to become bone dry for extended periods) can stress plants especially in winter when their roots may be less active and the environment is drier due to indoor heating. Additionally, plants may still be losing moisture through leaves and roots, even if growth is slower. The Garden Magazine article lists neglecting moisture as a winter mistake. The Garden Magazine
What to do instead: Strike a balance. Check soil moisture regularly. If the soil is dry several inches down and the plant shows signs of dehydration (wilting, leaf drop, crisp edges), water. But ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil either. Monitor each plant individually.
8. Myth: “Low light in winter means plants won’t grow, so you can ignore them”
Why it’s repeated: Because of shorter daylight hours and weaker light levels, many believe plants will “just sit there” and don’t need much attention.
Reality / Why false: While growth may slow, plants still perform maintenance functions and need care — light levels may be marginal but still important. Several articles emphasise that indoor plants still need attention in winter especially regarding light, humidity and temperature. The Garden Magazine+1
What to do instead: Make sure plants are as well‑positioned as possible: north/south‐facing windows, no cold drafts, no sources of heat blowing directly on them. If natural light is limited, consider adding a grow light for a few hours daily. Rotate plants so all sides get light and avoid neglecting them because “winter = no care”.
9. Myth: “You must remove houseplants from bedrooms at night because they release carbon dioxide or take oxygen away”
Why it’s repeated: There's a persistent worry that plants might be harmful during night hours because photosynthesis stops in absence of light and the plant might somehow “take breathable air”.
Reality / Why false: The amount of carbon dioxide or oxygen exchange by typical houseplants in a normal room is negligible relative to human respiration (and ventilation in homes). Many myth‑debunking sites list this among common indoor plant myths. gardenmyths.com+1
What to do instead: Use your plants as you like. Having plants in the bedroom is fine. Choose non‑toxic varieties if pets/children are present. Instead focus on placing plants where light and conditions suit them.
10. Myth: “Indoor plants die inevitably in winter unless you do something special; it’s just inevitable”
Why it’s repeated: Many beginners assume “if I leave my plants through winter they’ll die anyway” because they see lots of posts of failed plants in winter.
Reality / Why false/partially true: Plants can definitely survive and even thrive in winter if cared for properly — they don’t have to die. The myth exaggerates inevitability. One blog says: “Myth: indoor plants die in winters … Fact: Not unless you forget about them for months in a dark corner.” www.fnp.ae+1
What to do instead: Treat winter as a season needing adapted care (light, humidity, watering, temperature) rather than an automatic plant‑death season. Monitor your plants, adjust habit, and you can maintain healthy indoor greenery all year.
Why These Myths Persist
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Transference from outdoor gardening: Many winter plant‑care rules come from outdoor garden practices in temperate zones (cold, low sun, frost) and are incorrectly applied to indoor plants.
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Simplification: People like quick “myth statements” that seem easy (e.g., “Stop watering in winter”), even if they don’t fit all cases.
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Visual cues: When many plants do struggle in winter (less light, dry air), people assume causes incorrectly (e.g., “plants died because I didn’t fertilise”).
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Internet echo chamber: Myths get repeated in blogs, forums and then shared widely until they seem like “fact”.
How to Write Your Own Winter‑Houseplant Care Checklist
Here’s a practical checklist you can adopt each winter to avoid falling into myth‑traps:
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Light check: Ensure each plant has as much suitable light as possible (reposition if needed).
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Watering check: Test soil moisture; reduce watering if topsoil stays moist, but don’t ignore dryness.
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Humidity check: Especially near radiators/heaters, test air dryness (brown leaf edges, curl). Add humidifier/trays if needed.
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Temperature check: Avoid placing plants in drafty or overly warm (heater‑blasted) locations; aim for consistent indoor temperatures suitable for each species.
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Fertiliser check: If growth is minimal, hold off or dilute fertiliser; feed only if clear signs of growth and light are adequate.
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Repot/root‑check (if needed): If roots are circling, soil degraded or plant obviously root‑bound, consider repotting even in winter — but do so carefully.
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Pest/issue check: Dry indoor air can increase pests (spider mites, scale). Inspect leaves, underside of leaves, stems; treat early.
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Rotation & orientation: Rotate the plants occasionally so all sides get light; watch for leggy growth or tilting.
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Disconnect myth stress: If you hear “they’ll die anyway”, resist. Instead adapt care.
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Note tracking: At start of winter, take photos and notes of each plant’s condition. Revisit monthly to track changes.
Real‑World Examples & Case Notes
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A gardener noted that her Alocasia suffered because she maintained her usual watering schedule after the days shortened. The topsoil looked dry but the lower soil was soggy, leading to root rot. Lesson: watering needs dropped but dryness still existed—they needed more light & less water. Reddit
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A commenter said they repotted a root‑bound plant in January and had no issues: “Mine are totally indoor plants and I repot when necessary year‑round.” Reddit
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One article emphasised that indoor plants still face major winter stressors: low light, dry air from heating, cold drafts from windows. It highlighted these as “mistakes” to avoid rather than “sleeping season”. The Garden Magazine
These reflect the complexity: plants don’t automatically hibernate indoors, but the environment changes and we need to adapt accordingly.
Final Thoughts & Summary
Winter doesn’t have to be the “dark sad season” for your houseplants. With an understanding of these ten widespread myths and the real‑life adjustments plants need, you can keep your indoor garden healthy, resilient and even thriving through the colder months.
Key takeaways:
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Don’t assume full dormancy — plants still need care.
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Water based on actual need, not calendar.
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Avoid fertilising blindly — feed only when warranted.
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Position plants for appropriate light and keep humidity in mind.
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Repot when necessary rather than just waiting for “spring”.
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Develop a winter‑specific care plan, adapt your routine, and monitor each plant.
If you like, I can create a printable 2‑page myth‑debunking poster or checklist for winter indoor plant care that you can hang near your indoor garden. Would you like me to prepare that?
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