Not surprisingly, the seasons play a big role in the health and happiness of your plants. Even southern states can experience fairly cold temperatures in the winter, so the proper plant care for this sunless season is crucial for their survival. If you live where the temperature dips below freezing for most of the winter, read on.

Increase Sun Exposure
Naturally, plants need sunlight to truly thrive. This is especially important during cold months when this light is scarce. The sun sets early during the winter, so keep your plants congregated in areas of your home that are exposed to afternoon light. Even if the day is overcast, natural light is better than no light at all. If your plants are leaning toward the light, keep rotating them every few days.

Pro Tip: Plants like the golden pothos do well in conditions with little-to-no sunlight, so they won’t be too fussy during the winter months.

Consider Artificial Light
Winter plant care may look a lot like winter self care. Without adequate sun plants can start to droop and wither, too. If you haven’t seen the sun in weeks, you may want to invest in artificial grow lights for your greenery. You can also use floor or desk lamps with LED bulbs. Keep these lights on and near your plants, so they can reap the benefits without becoming burned.

Check for Drafts
You may think that placing all your plants next to a window to soak in the sun is a good idea. In most cases, it is. But for wintertime, keeping your plants away from drafty windows will help them thrive even when it’s cold outside. The more stable the climate, the better your plants will grow, so the plant care rule of thumb for drafts is if you feel one, your plant will, too.

Handle with Care
The long winter months put most plants into a dormant state. They won’t need as much water to stay healthy, even with increased sun exposure. Make sure your plant’s soil is dry an inch down before watering again. The air in your home will be less pure, too, since no windows are open. To help your plant get as much sunlight as possible, mist or wipe down the leaves to prevent dust build-up.

Winter can feel never-ending, but a good way to spend the cold evenings indoors is to give your plants a little extra TLC. Plants have been proven to boost your mood, so what better cure for the winter blues than a little nurturing of your favorite flora? How are you helping your plants thrive this winter?

XO,
Micah

With spring break (and summer) just around the corner, you’re probably planning on taking a few longer trips than the usual weekend get-away. At least I am. So, it can be troubling to know what to do about your houseplants while you’re away. It’s easy to ship a pet off to a friend or relative for the week, but a home full of fussy plants? Not so much. Even if you can’t get a plant sitter, that doesn’t mean your plants won’t survive while you’re off enjoying your vacation. Just follow these pre-trip tips and your houseplants will do just fine without you.

Give your plants a thorough watering
We all know that consistently over-watering plants can have disastrous results. But doing so occasionally, like right before you leave for a week, will actually be advantageous. Don’t drown them, of course, and be sure to let them drain, but it’s fine to give them a thorough watering. If you’re short on time, any easy way to do this is to put them all in the bathtub and give them a good soak. Additional benefits to a one-time, all-plant shower is that water will have a proper place to drain besides their saucers or your floors.

Move your plants away from the sunlight
This may sound counterproductive, but your goal is to keep your houseplants alive without their normal watering schedule. If they remain in the same sunny spot as usual, you risk the soil drying up before you return home. This could prove disastrous, even for plants that enjoy bright light. (Have succulents? They’ll be fine even if you don’t pay them any pre-vacation attention.) Move all your plants to a more central location in your room so they don’t dry out while you’re away.

Stabilize the temperature in your home
It might be tempting to leave the thermostat off while you’re away, but it’s more beneficial for your plants (and your home) to keep it on. Particularly in states where temperatures can vary between high noon and night, your plants will appreciate a home with a more stable indoor climate. Make sure plants aren’t near drafty windows or air ducts, then pick a temperature. 65 degrees is a happy medium if you have both dry- and humid-climate plants.

There’s no need to spend your vacation worrying about your houseplants. Thankfully, they aren’t necessarily doomed to failure if you leave them alone for a week or two. If you come home to drooping leaves and dry soil, your plants will perk up after a good watering and a day in the sunlight. And, of course, if you’re still concerned about their wellbeing, you can always find a sitter! How have you kept your plants live during vacations? Do you bring some with you? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah

Ah, fiddle leaf figs. Just the mere mention of them makes me happy. I find them everywhere: towering over beach boardwalks, adorning the covers of magazines, and welcoming customers into boutiques on Central Ave.

I’ve often thought myself similar to fiddle leaf figs in many ways, too. Like me, they’re hearty but need tender care and are always looking for sunlight. Naturally, I’m biased toward these lovely indoor trees, but there are plenty of reasons why these “it” plants of the interior design world should end up in your home!

These plants are part of the fig and mulberry family, Moraceae, the same as rubber plants. In their native environment in western Africa, they thrive in heat and humidity, with frequent but light rain. Fiddle leaf figs are known to be finicky, especially in milder climates, so keep these care tips in mind:

Sunlight
Fiddle leaf figs, as you can imagine, love the sunlight. And it’s the dainty veins that weave through their large leaves that are doing the sun-soaking. Be sure to wipe the dust that accumulates on the leaves to ensure optimal light absorption. Place your plant near a window that gets plenty of natural light, but isn’t too drafty. The leaves will grow toward the light, so it’s a good idea to rotate your plant every few months, too. But don’t move them too far. They’re sensitive to sudden changes in light.

Water
Fiddle leaf figs prefer a deep soak, but don’t like sitting in water. When the top inch of the soil is dry and crumbly to the touch, thoroughly water it with lukewarm water. Let the water completely drain and then remove it from the pot’s saucer. If underwatered, the leaves will turn brown along the edges and may drop off. If overwatered, the leaves can develop dark spots and the soil may smell musty.

Temperature
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in warmer, more humid temperatures. If your home remains between 65-75°F, your plant will be happy with the proper level of sunlight. To keep the humidity consistent, mist the leaves on a weekly basis, especially during the winter when humidity is low. You can also group your fiddle leaf fig with other plants, as the moisture they release helps create a more humid microclimate.

Ready to Grow?
If you’re looking for a graceful floor plant to decorate your home, look no further than fiddle leaf figs! Already own one? I’d love to know!

XO,
Micah