As winter sets in, householders are being advised on how to maximise the light in their homes to help indoor plants thrive. Gardening experts from Garden Buildings Direct have shared key methods for enhancing the amount of light available, ensuring the survival and growth of houseplants during the darker months.
Indoor plants can struggle during winter if they don’t receive adequate light or water. Even the most dedicated gardeners may overlook the extra care indoor plants need when daylight is in short supply. While artificial light can supplement natural light, it must be of the right wavelength to be effective, which can be challenging to achieve. Plants in rooms with closed curtains or dimmed lamps are particularly at risk.
To combat this, experts recommend simple changes such as switching to sheer curtains and investing in grow lights to increase light levels in the home.
A spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct commented: “We all know that plants need extra love and attention in the winter months, but this also applies to those growing indoors. Many forget that indoor plants can struggle to survive without enough light, and just because a space may have some natural light flowing in, it may not be sufficient for the plants to grow efficiently. If a room doesn’t face direct sunlight, consider investing in an artificial grow light or moving plants to a spot that receives more natural light.”
Here are Garden Buildings Direct’s top tips for maximising natural light for indoor plants:
Invest in Grow Lights
Grow lights are an ideal replacement for sunlight, ensuring plants can photosynthesise even in environments with minimal or no windows. These lights are particularly useful in colder climates, where plants may need to be brought indoors to grow in warmer conditions.
Windowsill Gardening
Utilise windowsills, which receive natural light, by placing indoor plants on these ledges. Regular watering, every few weeks, will help plants grow perfectly in these well-lit spots.
Keep Blinds Open
Leaving blinds open for longer periods allows indoor plants to benefit from extended exposure to natural light. This is crucial during winter, when daylight is limited, to ensure plants can grow to their full potential.
Trim Hedges Blocking Windows
Check outside for any hedges, plants, or bushes obstructing light from windows. If a plant is stagnating or growing slowly, this could be due to insufficient natural light entering the room. Trimming these obstructions can significantly increase the light available indoors.
Get Sheer Curtains
Thick curtains or heavy drapes can block out natural light. Replacing them with sheer curtains can allow more light to stream into the room, aiding plant growth.
Clean the Windows
Condensation on windows is a common issue during colder months, reducing the amount of light that can shine through. Regularly cleaning windows or investing in a dehumidifier can prevent condensation and increase the natural light available to plants.
The spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct added: “Simple tasks like trimming any hedges that block windows can also increase the amount of natural light in a room. Many indoor plants can survive with less light, but they need some extra help during the winter months to really thrive.”
In summary, by making a few strategic changes around the home, such as using grow lights, ensuring windows are clean, and keeping blinds open, householders can create a more favourable environment for their indoor plants. These adjustments not only help plants survive the winter but also enable them to flourish, adding vibrancy and greenery to indoor spaces year-round.
For more information and additional tips on indoor plant care during the winter, visit the Garden Buildings Direct website.