Stop houseplants becoming ‘leggy’ in winter by adding 1 simple item to plant pots

Plants on the windowsill in winter. Potted plants on the window.

As winter sets in, plants face unique challenges that demand careful attention (Image: Getty)

As winter sets in, face unique challenges that demand careful attention and measures from owners.

While many are adapted to the cold of winter, there are still some issues that can affect them during the colder months.

Sudden changes in temperature, changes in sunlight and receiving too much or too little water can cause plants to wilt, turn brown and even drop leaves.

If your plant is unhappy, this can make them more vulnerable to infestations and diseases.

With this in mind, Anastasia Borisevich, a plant expert at , the app that helps identify plants and improves plant care, has shared her .

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Woman sprays plants in flower pots with clean water from bottle. Closeup hand with sprayer. Caring for houseplants home, growing vegetable garden on windowsill. Plant lovers, home gardening

Frequent misting and the use of humidifiers can help combat low humidity in winter (Image: Getty)

The Plantum (formerly NatureID) app helps plant lovers identify over 33,000 plant species, diagnose their states, and get care advice.

How to care for houseplants in winter

Lack of light

In winter, houseplants often suffer from a lack of sunlight. According to the plant expert, the plants can “turn toward windows and become leggy” when this happens.

Anastasia explained to Express.co.uk exactly how houseplant owners can ensure their plants receive enough light in the winter months. She said: “Improve winter conditions for houseplants by supplementing natural light with additional lamps.

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women's hands hold a houseplant

It’s important houseplants do not experience extreme temperature changes (Image: Getty)

However, she warned homeowners must “ensure proper distance between leaves and light sources, adjusted based on lamp wattage”.

Plant lamps can be bought online for as little as £5, and some models simply clip onto the plant pot itself to provide the light plants need.

Other models can clip onto tables or surfaces where plants are positioned.

Maintain an optimal temperature

It’s important houseplants do not experience extreme temperature changes as this can cause “black spots, leaf browning, and wilting”.

The best way to do this is to keep plants away from drafts and temperature fluctuations like open doors, radiators, fireplaces, stoves and windows.

Radiators and stoves can make the air inside our homes dry which can be detrimental to some houseplants.

“Frequent misting and the use of humidifiers can help combat low humidity in winter,” Anastasia said.

Clean their leaves

Lastly, cleaning your houseplants’ leaves regularly will ensure they get the light they need to thrive.

The plant expert added: “You can rinse humidity-loving plants in the shower or wipe their leaves with a damp sponge. As for cacti, succulents, and velvety-leaf plants, gently dust them off with a soft cloth or brush.”

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