As a plant, I am a complex living organism with specific needs that change with the seasons. To help me, *Hedera helix*, thrive through the winter months, you must understand my perspective. Here is my guide to winter care.
The sun is lower and weaker in the winter, and the days are shorter. From my point of view, this is a period of low energy. I still crave bright, indirect light to maintain my photosynthesis, but the intense, direct summer sun that could scorch my leaves is gone. Please place me near a south or west-facing window where I can bask in the maximum available daylight. Rotate my pot a quarter turn each week to ensure all my leaves get their share of the precious light and I can grow evenly, rather than straining towards the window pane.
My growth slows almost to a halt during winter; it is my natural rest period. Because I am not actively producing new leaves, my water consumption drops dramatically. My roots are highly susceptible to rot in cold, wet soil. The single greatest threat to my life in winter is overwatering. You must let the top inch or two of my soil dry out completely before giving me a thorough drink. Please test the soil with your finger. I would much rather be slightly too dry than constantly damp. Ensure my pot has excellent drainage to let any excess water escape freely.
I dislike sudden changes. Keep me away from both cold drafts from leaky windows and blasts of hot, dry air from heating vents or radiators. This dry air is a major stressor for me, as it pulls moisture from my leaves faster than my roots can replace it, leading to crispy, brown edges. To make me truly happy, please increase the humidity around me. You can do this 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 using a small humidifier nearby. A consistent temperature between 50-70°F (10-21°C) is ideal for my well-being.
Since I am not focusing energy on growth, I have no need for supplemental fertilizer during the winter months. My system cannot process those extra nutrients, and they will simply build up in my soil, potentially leading to chemical burns on my roots and a general decline in my health. Please resume feeding me with a diluted, balanced fertilizer only in the early spring, when I show you signs of new growth and longer days signal the start of a new growing season.
The layer of dust that can settle on my broad leaves during winter acts like a blanket, blocking the already scarce sunlight and hindering my ability to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently. Every few weeks, you can give my leaves a gentle wipe with a soft, damp cloth or give me a lukewarm shower. This not only removes the dust but also helps dislodge any opportunistic pests like spider mites that thrive in dry indoor conditions. Clean leaves are healthy, efficient leaves.
