As a Chlorophytum comosum, I feel the shift in seasons deep within my leaves and roots. The shorter days and cooler temperatures signal a time for rest, a period you call 'winter'. My care needs change fundamentally during this time, and understanding this from my perspective is key to helping me thrive until spring returns.
With less intense light and cooler temperatures, my metabolic processes slow. I am not actively growing. Therefore, my need for water diminishes significantly. My soil should be allowed to dry out almost completely between waterings. Please test the soil moisture with your finger; if the top two inches feel dry, then I am ready for a drink. Overwatering is the greatest threat to me now, as my roots will sit in cold, wet soil, leading to rot. I would much prefer to be a little too dry than too wet.
I am a tropical plant at heart. Sudden chills are a shock to my system. Please keep me in a room where the temperature remains consistently above 50°F (10°C), ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Crucially, shield me from the icy blast of opening doors and the dry, direct heat radiating from vents or radiators. These drastic temperature fluctuations cause me immense stress, which I may show through brown, crispy leaf tips or drooping foliage.
While the sun is weaker, I still rely on it for energy. Please place me in a bright, indirect light spot. An east or north-facing window is often perfect. I can tolerate slightly lower light levels now, but do not relegate me to a dark corner for months. Without sufficient light, my vibrant variegated stripes may fade, and my growth will become even more stunted and weak, a condition called etiolation.
I am not trying to produce new leaves or flowers. I am in a state of dormancy, conserving my energy. Feeding me now would be like offering a heavy meal to someone who is sleeping. My roots cannot absorb the nutrients, and the unused salts will simply build up in the soil, potentially burning my delicate root system and altering the soil chemistry. Please resume your feeding rituals only when you see signs of new growth in the brighter, warmer days of spring.
Winter air inside your home is often very dry due to heating systems. This low humidity sucks moisture from my leaves faster than my roots can replace it, leading to those dreaded brown tips. While not fatal, it is uncomfortable. You can help by grouping me with other plants, placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure my roots are not sitting in the water), or occasionally misting my leaves with room-temperature water.
