How to Care for Indoor Plants During Dry Winters

"I get this question all the time, especially in the winter when people start to notice their plants struggling," O'Brien says. "The reality is that heating—whether from an HVAC system or a radiator—creates a dry indoor environment, and plants can suffer if they're not positioned correctly."

Luckily, O'Brien was able to give actionable steps to create the most idyllic winter environment for your plants. He first recommends getting familiar with your environment: Find where your heat source is coming from and how it affects the airflow and moisture in your home. If you have forced air, like from an HVAC system, you may need to increase your space's humidity.

"If you have a radiator, the heat is more localized, so you'll want to keep plants away from direct exposure to prevent leaf scorch," says O'Brien. You should also rotate the plants occasionally once the radiator is on to keep one side from becoming overheated.

Change in temperature isn't the only element that affects your indoor plants. Just as indoor air can make your skin dry in the winter, it can do the same to your monstera and snake plant. To combat this, a humidifier is helpful—but keep in mind that placement matters.

"For a larger space affected by central heating, set up a cool mist humidifier near your plants but not directly blowing on them," O'Brien says. "If your plants are in a smaller space, like near a radiator, a humidifier on a low setting placed a few feet away can prevent excessive moisture loss without overwhelming the plants."

If you can't (or don't want to) use a humidifier, you have other options. Misting the leaves can help your plants stay at their optimal humidity level. You can also keep the soil damp with coverings that retain the moisture and even with decorative rocks and stones that double as decor.

While humidity and temperature affect all plants, the type matters in terms of how much. Some varieties handle cold and changes in temperature that come with a heater turning on and off better than others.

"Snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants can handle temperature fluctuations better, but most tropical plants will need extra care," O'Brien says. He also notes that ferns need high humidity and should be kept far from heaters.

Unfortunately, since every plant is different, there may be some trial and error needed to find the perfect environment for your own collection. Look for signs of stress or illness on the leaves, like loss of color or dried-out edges. If they're not looking their healthiest, try moving them to spots where they get more light or less heat. When you're mindful of each individual plant's health, you know they're each getting what they need to thrive.