Colder Weather: How to Look After Your Flowers

Oct 29, 2020 | Latest News

Autumn and Winter are known for being the harshest seasons on plants and flowers because of the effect that the colder temperatures can have on the plant itself. The biggest effect it has is making it difficult for flowers to bloom, compared to the spring and summer months.

At Cheltenham & Gloucester Flowers, we think it is essential to know how to look after your flowers in the colder months to avoid having to start from scratch when the weather gets better. We have compiled a few tips for both indoor and outdoor plants to help you look after them in the colder months.

Indoors

A misconception is that because these plants are indoors, they do not get as affected and do not need extra attention during the winter months. However, despite being in better conditions than outdoor plants, they still need some attention. Here are some things to consider:

  • Light – We are sure that most people will know that plants need light to survive. As the days get shorter and we have less sunlight, it is important to try and place your plants in positions and locations that will help them access as much light as possible. This could require moving your plants during the day and moving them back at night.

  • Dusting ­– Some people may think that this sounds odd, but dust can actually block the pores of your plants’ leaves, making it difficult for them to breathe. Giving their leaves and petals a gentle wipe can help clear the pores, allowing them to survive longer whilst keeping them looking fresh.

  • Misting Plants – Misting can be vital for tropical plants that typically thrive off humidity. All it takes in simply spraying them with a light mist once or twice a day. If you don’t have the time to do this daily, you can try placing them near or in the bathroom when you have a steamy shower.

  • Reduce Watering – Overwatering can be easily done during the colder months. This is because they grow at a slower rate and therefore do not need as much water as they do in spring and summer. Although it is important to mist your plants, you should be careful not to overwater them. An easy way to know if your plant needs water is to test the soil. If the soil is dry, simply give your plant a little water.

Outdoors

Being outdoors, these plants are exposed to the elements more and need the most attention. The changes in the weather can take its toll pretty quickly if you are not prepared. Things that you should be doing include:

  • Cutting Them Back – Some seasonal flowers and plants should be trimmed back and pruned by removing blackened stems and dead foliage to avoid your plants from catching diseases.

  • Snow – When it comes to snow, we don’t often get much in the UK. But if you do get snow, you don’t need to worry about it getting on your soil. This is because it creates a form of insulation, keeping it at a consistent temperature. Although, if the snow is heavy it should be monitored as it may weigh down the soil and branches and could damage your plants. You can simply shake some of the snow loose, just make sure to work from the bottom to the top otherwise it may fall onto the lower branches, adding more weight and causing more damage.

  • Using Mulch – Before the weather starts to get colder you should spread a new layer of soil so that your plants can get acclimatised to the new soil in time for winter. Be aware that frost can freeze soil and cause it to crack. It is important to keep an eye on this and replace it as soon as you notice the soil cracking and getting stiff.

We hope these tips help you to look after your outdoor and indoor plants as the weather gets colder. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch and we would be more than happy to help!