Learn how to care for indoor plants in winter in Canada. From lighting and watering tips to humidity hacks, Darrell Smith from DH Garden Centre shares expert advice to keep your houseplants healthy during the cold months.
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, our indoor plants feel it too.
Winter in Canada can be tough, not just for us, but for our green companions who suddenly lose light, warmth, and humidity.
I’ve seen many plant lovers, especially here in Vancouver, struggle with wilting leaves, yellowing stems, or even root rot once November rolls in. But the good news? With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your plants thriving all winter long.
After more than 25 years working with plants and 11 years helping customers at DH Garden Centre, I’ve learned one simple truth: plants don’t die in winter, they adapt. The key is helping them adjust.
Let’s go through some practical winter indoor plant care tips that actually work in Canadian homes.
1. Light Is Life But It’s Fading Fast
During winter, the sun sets earlier and light intensity drops dramatically, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Your indoor plants, particularly tropical ones like Monstera, Pothos, or Peace Lily, suddenly find themselves in a dim corner they once loved.
Here’s what you can do:
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Move plants closer to windows. East or south-facing windows are ideal since they capture the most daylight.
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Clean your windows. It sounds simple, but dust can block up to 10–15% of natural light.
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Rotate your plants every week to ensure even light exposure.
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Invest in a grow light. At DH Garden Centre, we carry full-spectrum LED grow lights that mimic natural sunlight, perfect for helping plants photosynthesize during those dark December days.
💡 Pro Tip: If your plant starts stretching toward the light (called “leggy growth”), it’s a clear sign it’s not getting enough light.
2. Water Less, Way Less Than You Think
Most people overwater in winter. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “Darrell, my plant just died out of nowhere!” and when I check, the roots are soggy.
Why? Because during winter, your plants grow slower and need less water.
Simple watering rule:
Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, water. If it’s still damp, wait.
Other quick tips:
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Always use pots with drainage holes.
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Empty saucers after watering to prevent root rot.
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Water with room-temperature water, not cold tap water.
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For succulents and cacti, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Remember, it’s easier to revive a dry plant than to save an overwatered one.
3. Humidity: The Secret Ingredient Most People Forget
In Canada’s winter, heating systems dry out indoor air — and tropical plants absolutely hate it.
Humidity often drops below 30%, while most indoor plants prefer 50–60%. That’s why you might notice crispy leaf tips or brown edges on ferns, calatheas, or philodendrons.
How to fix it:
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Use a humidifier. Place it near your plant cluster to mimic a mini rainforest.
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Group plants together. Plants naturally release moisture through transpiration, clustering them boosts humidity.
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Try a pebble tray. Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, then set your pot on top (without touching the water).
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Avoid placing plants near heaters or vents. They’ll dry out quickly.
🌿 At DH Garden Centre, we often remind our customers: humidity is the difference between “surviving” and “thriving.”
4. Feed Them Sparingly
Your plants are resting during winter. They’re not pushing out new leaves or roots as vigorously as in spring or summer.
That means no heavy fertilizing, it can actually stress them out.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Pause fertilizing from November to February.
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If you see active growth (like new leaves), use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every 6–8 weeks.
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When spring arrives, gradually increase feeding again.
Think of winter as a “sleep mode” – gentle, slow, and restorative.
5. Keep Them Cozy But Not Too Warm
Canadian winters are unpredictable. One day it’s mild, the next it’s freezing. Sudden temperature swings can shock your plants.
Here’s how to maintain balance:
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Keep your plants in a steady temperature range of 18–24°C.
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Avoid drafts, move plants away from doors and cold windowsills.
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Don’t place them right next to heaters or fireplaces; it’ll dry them out fast.
If you notice curling leaves or dropping foliage, check for cold drafts or hot air flow.
6. Watch for Pests They Love Warm Indoor Spaces
Even in winter, pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats can become a problem — especially in warm, dry homes.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly. If you see fine webbing or sticky residue, it’s time to act.
Quick pest control tips:
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Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly.
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Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap every few weeks.
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Avoid overwatering, fungus gnats thrive in moist soil.
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Refresh your topsoil layer if needed.
🪴 Pro Tip: You can find neem oil and natural pest control sprays right here at DH Garden Centre in Vancouver.
7. Clean the Leaves Let Them Breathe
Dust on leaves blocks sunlight and slows down photosynthesis.
Every few weeks, gently wipe leaves with a soft damp cloth or rinse them in the shower (for hardy plants like rubber plants or monsteras).
Clean leaves = better light absorption = healthier plants.
8. Know When to Repot Or When Not To
Winter isn’t the ideal time for repotting because roots are resting. But if your plant is severely root-bound or the soil smells musty, you can repot gently.
Use fresh, well-draining potting mix, we recommend our DH Garden Centre Organic Indoor Mix, designed for healthy root aeration during colder months.
Otherwise, wait until spring for major repotting projects.
9. Create a Winter Plant Routine
It’s easy to forget your plants when the holiday rush begins. That’s why I suggest setting a simple routine:
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Check water once a week.
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Dust leaves bi-weekly.
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Rotate plants for light.
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Take 5 minutes a day to observe, you’ll spot early signs of stress before it’s too late.
Caring for indoor plants in winter isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing less, but doing it right.
10. Bonus: Winter-Ready Houseplants for Canada
If you’re new to indoor gardening or just want low-maintenance plants that handle winter well, start with these:
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ZZ Plant – tolerates low light and dry air.
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Snake Plant – thrives on neglect.
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Spider Plant – loves bright, indirect light.
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Philodendron – perfect for cozy corners.
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Pothos – forgiving and great for beginners.
All these varieties are available at DH Garden Centre in Vancouver, where we help you choose the right plant for your home’s lighting and humidity levels.
Winter Is Not the End, It’s the Reset
Many people think their plants “die” in winter.
But in truth, they’re just taking a break – conserving energy, waiting for spring.
So instead of worrying, use this time to observe, learn, and adjust your care routine.
You’ll not only keep your plants alive, but also see them burst back to life come March stronger and greener than ever.
If you need personalized advice or supplies to get your indoor garden winter-ready, stop by DH Garden Centre, 3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
Let’s keep your home blooming, no matter how cold it gets outside. 🌿
👉 Visit us in-store or online at dhgardencentre.com
