How often should houseplants be watered in winter? The mistake you should not make to prevent them from fading

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Naturally, the frequency of watering varies with the seasons. Note, in particular, that in the winter period, indoor plants go into vegetative rest: it usually begins in late autumn or early winter. This is a restoration period after the hot season in which your plants have received enough resources for abundant flowering. Keep in mind that during this resting phase they consume less energy and prepare to give birth to new spring shoots. Therefore, each plant has its own preferences and needs when it comes to watering. Furthermore, to keep them healthy and beautiful, it is absolutely necessary to take into account all the aspects that will keep them healthy.

During this vegetative dormancy phase, your plants do not need much water, unless they flower precisely during this period. Watering should be done once every two weeks for some and even not at all for others.

Here are the  watering frequencies  for the most popular houseplants:

• Begonias: do not water them in winter.
• Cactus: you can water it once every three weeks, in small quantities.
• Azaleas, ivy, geraniums or eucalyptus: water very rarely or not at all.
• Ficus, dracaena and other tropical plants: water twice a week maximum.
• Orchids   : water them once every two weeks, preferably in the morning, with water at room temperature.

Factors to take into account before watering

• Type of plant: As noted above, the   amount of water  needed varies depending on the species. Some plants like humidity and others prefer drought. So be sure to identify the water needs of each of your plants. This way you can have a more precise idea of ​​the watering frequency.
• Always check the dryness of the soil: to do this, use a wooden stick. If it slides easily on the floor, moisture is still present. If it sticks to the surface, the soil is not hydrated. Therefore, watering must be carried out (depending on the type of plant, of course).
• Test the weight of the pot: This is another effective way to check how much water is left in the soil. If it is dry, it is necessarily lighter than moist soil. Therefore, you will notice a significant difference in weight between a watered plant and a dried plant.
• Another tip for checking the soil: Use your fingertips to feel the potting soil in the pot through the drainage holes. This will allow you to evaluate the degree of dryness of the soil to determine whether or not it is necessary to water.