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December 11, 2025 35 mins

As we move into the winter season and you notice the days are getting shorter, you might also notice that your plants start looking a little sleepy. Maybe they start growing a little slower. Maybe they have some leaves die back, and this episode is created to help you not panic and learn that the plants are moving into a cozy season just like we are.

So this is an old episode that we're bringing back in the Best of Growing Joy series, a solo episode where I give you the ins and outs of why our plants kind of experience this quiescence this cozy season and give you some of my tried and true tips to make sure that your houseplants are happy all winter long, from adjusting your light and humidity to finding peace in your own personal dormancy.

I hope this episode gives you all of the cozy vibes and sets you up for success as we enter the dormant season for our plants and hopefully ourselves.

 

In this episode, we learn:

  • [05:28] The effect of light on the growth of plants
  • [06:52] How winter impacts your plants
  • [07:34] Why leaf drop isn’t necessarily bad
  • [07:55] Do some people experience more light in winter?
  • [09:15] What is quiescence and how does it affect plants?
  • [10:09] Are all plants dormant during the winter season?
  • [10:50] Is preemptive pruning really necessary?
  • [11:30] Supplementing high-light plants with grow lights during the winter
  • [13:14] How should you water your plants during winter?
  • [14:29] Which is better? Watering routine or plant care routine?
  • [15:47] Beware of the one-size fits all suggestions on plant care
  • [16:41] Why you shouldn’t assume your plant is dead
  • [18:19] Things to keep in mind with plant shopping during winter
  • [21:30] Where to get seeds for your spring garden
  • [22:52] The best gardening products that are safe for you, for your pets, and for thea planet
  • [24:21] How important humidity for plants is in the winter
  • [26:03] Using a humidifier in your household
  • [29:03] How to protect your plants from drafty windows during winter
  • [30:40] How to clean your humidifiers
  • [31:46] When can you stop watering your plants?
  • [32:42] How to deal with pest outbreaks during winter
  • [34:21] How can you apply this concept of quiescence to yourself?
  • [37:08] The rule of 10% less in adapting acquiesce in your life

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

 

Which winter houseplant tip are you excited to try first?

Check out the full show notes and blog for all the winter-prep tips!

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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