Houseplant Care in January
Water less often than in summer and check the soil before each watering. Move plants closer to windows. Don’t fertilize. Watch for spider mites in dry, heated air.
Light in January
Winter days are short and the sun is low. University of Missouri Extension notes that in winter any houseplant benefits from the light of a south window. Move sensitive species (calathea, fiddle leaf, anthurium) closer to your brightest window, but keep leaves off the cold glass, as Iowa State Extension advises. Snake plants and ZZ that “tolerate low light” still grow and look their best in bright, indirect light, per Iowa State Extension.
Watering in January
Slower growth means less water. Iowa State Extension says houseplants need less frequent watering in winter than in spring and summer. Check the soil and water when it is dry to the touch about one inch down.
Pests and problems to watch in January
Heated indoor air is dry: Iowa State Extension notes that home humidity can drop as low as 10% in winter, while most indoor plants grow best at 40 to 50%. Low indoor humidity favors spider mites, per UC IPM, so check leaf undersides regularly. Fungus gnats are a sign the soil is staying too wet (Iowa State Extension).
What to plan now
Now is the time to research grow lights before spring repotting season. Order seeds if you propagate.