While this winter has been warmer than usual, houseplants still grow less vigorously with the low light and low humidity levels of winter.

Here are some tips for winter care of houseplants:

• Use a fraction of the fertilizer rates suggested on the label; start increasing it in the early spring when the days begin getting longer. Over-fertilizing during winter only stresses the plant.
• Simple approaches to raising the humidity level for your plant -- keep it watered when it feels dry; set the pot on a tray of pebbles and keep a small amount of water in the tray (remembering that the pot should not be immersed in the water itself); group your houseplants together (provided you have an appropriate space).
• For plants that require more humidity, like African Violets, try using a terrarium.

A reference book on houseplant care makes for good winter-time reading; or visit Oregon State’s Web site: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/story.php?S_No=958&storyType=garden for the fact sheet Give houseplants TLC in winter.

Questions? Contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County call the Garden Helpline at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu.

Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County