You’re probably in the same boat that I am—you’ve moved your patio plants inside for the winter to protect them, but now don’t know how to care for them! And you’re right to worry a bit—many patio plants have specific requirements in order to thrive, and the dry indoor winter air just doesn’t do the trick. Here are some tips to keep your plants healthy and happy so you can enjoy them into the warmer months.

Place Plants Properly: Winter means shorter days and longer nights, which affects the amount of available indirect light for your houseplants. While it may be tempting to place plants right on the windowsill, try situating them nearby the window instead. Plants directly on the windowsill can be affected by cold air, especially if drapes are drawn around them at night.

Water a Little Less: Many plants are dormant during the colder months—they aren’t actively growing and therefore need less water. Succulents are particularly sensitive to over-watering at this time of year. Let the soil dry out just a bit before thoroughly watering. As with any other time of year, avoid letting the plants sit in a saucer of water—good drainage is a must for healthy plants!

Mist a Little More: While your plants’ roots might not need additional winter watering, their foliage is another matter. Many patio plants are tropical, and dry air during the winter wrecks havoc on their leaves. Use a plant mister or spray bottle to lightly mist leaves a couple of times per week. Ferns, palms and air plants particularly enjoy this extra humidity.

Keep Leaves Clean: You know all those fires you’ve been stoking in the fireplace? The ash residue can linger in the air, lightly coating plant leaves and interfering with photosynthesis (your plant’s ability to draw energy). Misting will help with smaller leaved plants, but for the broader leaves of fichus and palms, you may need to gently wipe the foliage clean. Use a soft cloth or buy a leaf-shine spray to remove dust and restore shine to the foliage.

~Jenny Peterson