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Photo: Feeding in winter? — Egor Litvinov · Unsplash.
Feeding

Feeding in winter?

MYTH

Feed in winter just like in summer: a plant always needs food.

FACT

Winter days are short, and many houseplants grow slowly or rest altogether. A plant only takes up fertilizer while it's growing; the rest builds up in the soil as salts.

What actually matters

  1. No new leaves? WaitUntil the plant puts out new leaves, hold off on feeding.
  2. Start again in springIn March and April the days get longer and the plant starts growing again. That's when to go back to feeding.
  3. Under a grow lightIf a bright lamp shines on the plant for at least 12 hours a day, it can keep growing in winter. Once new leaves appear, you can feed it.
  4. Winter bloomers: feed beforehandFeed a plant that flowers in winter before it blooms. One you bought already in flower needs no feeding while it blooms.
  5. Cacti rest in winterCacti and succulents rest from November to early March; feed them only from spring to autumn. Christmas cactus is the exception: it flowers in winter and needs warmth and regular watering.
Sources: Clemson Extension, Iowa State Extension, UNH Extension, WSU Extension, Wisconsin Extension, RHS.