Summary
This guide provides plant lovers—beginners and seasoned indoor gardeners alike—with practical, easy-to-follow strategies for helping houseplants thrive through Ottawa’s harsh winter months. With reduced sunlight, dry indoor air, cold drafts, and slower plant growth, winter presents unique challenges for indoor greenery. The blog walks readers through essential seasonal adjustments including maximizing winter light, boosting humidity, preventing overwatering, regulating temperature, and choosing resilient, beginner-friendly plants. Additional pro tips help plant owners avoid common winter pitfalls while nurturing a healthier indoor ecosystem. Terra Flowers & Flavours also highlights winter-ready plants, eco-friendly décor ideas, and in-store guidance available at the Barrhaven café, encouraging readers to create a lush, calming sanctuary even in the depths of winter.
Key Highlights
- Winter’s Biggest Challenges: Low light, dry air, cooler temperatures, and reduced plant growth require adapted care.
- Light Strategies: Move plants closer to south or west windows, clean window glass frequently, and use full-spectrum grow lights for light-sensitive varieties.
- Humidity Boosters: Group plants together, use pebble trays, run humidifiers, and take advantage of naturally humid spaces like bathrooms (including eucalyptus shower bundles).
- Watering Adjustments: Plants require less water in winter—always check soil dryness before watering. Use room-temperature water to prevent root shock.
- Temperature Control: Keep indoor temps between 18–24°C and avoid cold drafts or heat sources like vents and radiators.
- Hardy, Winter-Friendly Plants: Snake plant, pothos, ZZ plant, spider plant, and cast iron plant—all low-maintenance and ideal for dry or low-light conditions.
- Essential Bonus Tips: Dust leaves for better light absorption, pause fertilizing until spring, and monitor for common winter pests (e.g., spider mites).
- Create Winter Calm: Houseplants add colour, life, and tranquility during Ottawa’s long winters; Terra offers winter-ready plants, stylish pots, and expert support.
When Ottawa’s winter sets in with its bone-chilling cold and short, dark days, houseplants feel the change just as much as we do. That cozy humidity of summer is gone, replaced with dry indoor air and limited sunlight. But don’t give up on your leafy friends, winter is a time for thoughtful plant care, not hibernation.
At Terra Flowers & Flavours, we believe that with a few seasonal adjustments, your houseplants can stay lush, healthy, and happy throughout the toughest months. Whether you’re a plant parent to one pothos or an entire jungle of greens, here’s how to help your indoor garden thrive in the heart of an Ottawa winter.
Adjusting to Winter Light Levels 🌤️
One of the biggest winter challenges is low light. With daylight hours shrinking and sun intensity weakening, plants that thrived in summer may now struggle.
Pro tip: Move your plants closer to south- or west-facing windows to maximize natural light. Clean the windows regularly to ensure every ray gets through.
For low-light corners, consider investing in full-spectrum grow lights. These are perfect for light-hungry varieties like fiddle leaf figs or succulents, and they’re energy-efficient, too.
Managing Humidity the Right Way 🌬️💧
Winter heating systems dry out indoor air, creating an environment that causes leaves to brown or curl and even to drop.
To combat dry air:
- Group plants together to create a mini humidity zone.
- Use pebble trays filled with water under your pots (make sure the pots don’t sit directly in the water).
- Run a humidifier in rooms with tropical plants like calatheas, ferns, and monsteras.
Bathrooms are naturally more humid, making them ideal for tropical plants and fresh eucalyptus, our guide to the benefits of hanging eucalyptus in your shower shows how to turn that space into a mini spa.
Mist carefully; too much surface moisture in cold, stagnant air can invite mildew. Focus on raising ambient humidity instead.
Watering: Less Is More 💦
In winter, plants grow more slowly and need less water. Overwatering is the most common mistake during this season.
Before watering, always check if the soil is dry about 1–2 inches down. Some plants, like snake plants and ZZ plants, can go several weeks between waterings. Others, like ferns and prayer plants, still need consistent, but not excessive, moisture.
Top tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking your plant’s roots.
Temperature Control Matters 🌡️
Plants are sensitive to temperature swings. Avoid placing them near cold drafts (like leaky windows or entry doors) or hot, dry spots (like radiators and vents).
Keep your indoor temperature between 18–24°C (65–75°F). Most houseplants prefer a stable, warm environment that mimics their natural tropical origins.
Hardy Houseplants That Love Winter
If you're looking to expand your indoor garden with plants that don’t mind winter’s chill, try these hardy options:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Virtually indestructible and tolerates low light.
- Pothos: Fast-growing vine that adapts to various light and humidity levels.
- ZZ Plant: Shiny, sculptural, and drought-tolerant—perfect for beginners.
- Spider Plant: Low maintenance with a charming retro vibe.
- Cast Iron Plant: True to its name, it thrives in tough conditions.
All these plants are available in-store at Terra Flowers & Flavours, or you can order them online. If you share your home with cats or dogs, explore our top indoor plants for pet-loving homes to choose winter-hardy plants that are safe for your furry family too.
Bonus Tips for Winter Plant Health
- Dust leaves regularly: Clean leaves can absorb light more effectively.
- Pause fertilizing: Most houseplants rest during winter, so skip the plant food until spring.
- Watch for pests: Spider mites and fungus gnats can become a problem in dry environments. Use natural insecticidal soap if needed.
Bringing Greenery into the Grey
Ottawa winters may be long, but your home doesn’t have to feel barren. Houseplants add life, beauty, and even boost air quality. More importantly, caring for plants offers a sense of calm and connection, something we all need during those colder months.
If you love leaning into the season, our Christmas greenery decoration guide shares more ideas for using winter greens, garlands, and wreaths to make your home feel extra cozy.
At Terra Flowers & Flavours, we offer a curated selection of winter-ready houseplants, stylish ceramic pots, and expert care tips to keep your greens glowing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, we’re here to help your indoor garden thrive, no matter what’s happening outside your window.
Explore our full Seasonal Flower & Plant Guide to discover more tips, trends, and eco-friendly décor ideas for every season in Ottawa.
Warm up with us in person at our cozy flower café in Barrhaven, where you can browse winter-ready houseplants, enjoy a warm drink, and get personalized advice for your indoor jungle.
Visit Terra Flowers & Flavours at 220 Kennevale Dr, Unit 102/103, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6.