Winter Can Be Harsh On Housplants, Tips To Help Them Thrive

UNDATED - During these cold winter days, it's a good time to take a look at your houseplants.

Beth Berlin is an Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota. She says the plant's soil dries out faster while we're heating our home, so give them some water.

Each plant is a little pickier, some like it a little dry, so you kind of have to learn the traits of your certain plant.  But in general for most plants, just kind of dip your finger in as far as your first knuckle if there's some moisture there it's probably okay.  Because you can over water your plant as well.

Berlin also suggests you check to make sure your plants aren't exposed to a cold draft.

Berlin says it's a good idea to inspect your plants for insects.

Top side and bottom of leaves.  Even just doing a little brushing on the soil, because there's things called soil gnats that live in the soil, and you'll think it's a fruit fly.  There are things you can do to get rid of them. Ultimately, the first thing is reducing your watering just a little bit.

Berlin says if your plant has spider mites, you will need to wash your plant with an insecticidal soap. But, despite the potential for bugs, houseplants are very beneficial and can help clean the air in our home.

If you're in the market to buy some new plants, Berlin says 1970's era retro lush groupings of plants are the hot trend right now.

For more help with your houseplants, you can call Berlin at her office: (320) 255-6169.