Preparing Your Indoor Houseplants for Fall & Winter: Tips from Denver Plant Club

November in Denver means two things: the leaves are crunchy, and so is the air. As the days get shorter and our homes get drier than a history textbook, your indoor houseplants are about to go through a seasonal shift of their own. But don’t stress—your plants can handle fall and winter just fine with a little help from you.

At Denver Plant Club on South Broadway in the Platt Park neighborhood, we love this time of year because it’s all about setting your plants up for a cozy, restful winter. Here’s your crash course on transitioning your indoor houseplants into the colder months.

1. Watering: Less Summer Splash, More Winter Restraint

If summer watering is a vibe, winter watering is a strategy. When the temperatures drop, most houseplants naturally slow their growth. That means they’re sipping, not chugging, and overwatering can get messy fast.

Here’s your winter watering game plan:

• Reduce frequency: Most plants only need water every 2–4 weeks depending on species, size, and pot type.

• Check the soil first: Stick a finger 1–2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time. If it’s damp, step away from the watering can.

• Morning water > night water: Let the plant drink while the house is warmest.

• Beware the cold water shock: Use room-temperature water so you’re not giving their roots a mini heart attack.

Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, succulents, and cacti particularly appreciate this winter slowdown. Your tropicals—philodendrons, pothos, peace lilies—will still need hydration, but much less than in July.

2. Lighting: Shorter Days, Smarter Strategies

With the sun clocking out early, your indoor houseplants are suddenly living that low-light lifestyle—whether they want to or not. This is the time to rethink your plant placement and maybe introduce a little artificial sunshine.

Lighting tips for winter:

• Move plants closer to windows: South- and east-facing windows are gold in winter.

• Rotate them weekly: Plants lean toward the light like little green divas. Give them a 180° turn now and then.

• Clean the leaves: Dust blocks sunlight. A quick wipe with a damp cloth boosts photosynthesis.

Should You Get a Grow Light?

Yes. Yes you should. Winter is THE moment when supplemental grow lighting can make all the difference.

We recommend full-spectrum LED grow lights, which mimic natural sunlight and keep your plants photosynthesizing during short winter days. They’re energy-efficient, inexpensive, and your plants will thank you by not dropping half their leaves.

General grow light tips:

• 8–12 hours per day is plenty.

• Keep lights 6–18" above most plants.

• Avoid 24/7 lighting (plants need to sleep too).

• Clip-on grow lights are perfect for apartments and dorms.

And yes—we carry great options at Denver Plant Club if you want recommendations.

3. Warmth: Create a Cozy Winter Habitat

Ice baths are not a vibe for houseplants. They hate cold drafts, sudden temperature drops, and blasts of hot air from vents.

What to avoid:

• Drafty windows

• Front doors that let cold air whoosh in

• Direct airflow from heaters or HVAC vents

• Unheated rooms that dip below 55°F

What to do:

• Move plants 6–12 inches away from windows on very cold nights.

• Use curtains at night as insulation.

• Check your vent directions to ensure no plants are in the line of fire.

Heating Mats: Not Just for Seedlings

If you have tropicals (monsteras, alocasias, calatheas, philodendrons), consider using heat mats. They gently warm the root zone, boosting plant health during colder months without heating your whole house. They’re especially helpful for finicky plants that love warm soil.

4. Pre-Dormancy Maintenance: The Perfect Fall Checklist

Before winter hits full force, this is the ideal time to give your plants a little TLC. Think of it like tucking them in before the long nap.

1. Prune Lightly

Cut off dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves. This helps the plant conserve energy and prevents rot.

2. Repot Only If Necessary

Winter is not repotting season—plants slow down and can’t bounce back as easily. Only repot if:

• Roots are bursting from the drainage hole

• The plant is severely root-bound

• Soil is completely spent

Otherwise, wait until spring.

3. Fertilizer Pause

Your plants are transitioning into dormancy, so stop fertilizing around early November. Fertilizer during winter is like giving espresso to someone who’s trying to nap.

4. Pest Check

Colder weather = dry air = spider mites’ favorite playground.Look under leaves and at stems for:

• tiny white dots

• webbing

• sticky residue

• leaf curling

Catch early and treat quickly—neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a quick visit to Denver Plant Club for advice.

5. Clean, Clean, Clean

Wipe leaves, refresh topsoil if it looks crusty, and clean pots or trays. A tidy plant is a happy plant.

5. Humidity: Your Plants Just Entered the Sahara

Denver’s winter air is dry enough to turn your skin into a lizard. Your plants feel it too.

Boost humidity by:

• Grouping plants together (micro-climates!)

• Using a humidifier

• Placing plants on pebble trays with water

• Keeping plants away from heat registers

• Avoiding misting (it doesn’t raise real humidity and can cause fungal issues)

Final Thoughts

Fall and winter don’t have to be stressful for your houseplants. With a few smart adjustments; less water, more light, warmer roots, and a little pre-winter maintenance, you’ll help them sail through the cold months like pros.

And if you need grow lights, heat mats, winter-hardy plant picks, or just want help diagnosing leaf drama, stop by Denver Plant Club on South Broadway in the Platt Park neighborhood. We’re always here to help you and your plants thrive through the season.

Visit us in Platt Park or check out our workshops and plant care resources online. Let's grow through the fall together.

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