Guide to buying house plants in December

Index

Which plants to choose in December

Criteria for choosing plants in December

How to care for house plants in December

Common conditions in winter

FAQ about winter house plants

December, with its harsh weather and short days, represents a special month for domestic plants. Choosing the right plants for this season can transform your home into a warm and cozy haven, as well as improve indoor air quality. Indoor plants, in fact, are not just a piece of furniture, but a real ally for psychophysical well-being. Let's find out together how to choose, care for and get the best out of domestic plants in winter.

Which plants to choose in December

1. Plants that love indirect light

• Philodendron: Resistant and easy to care for, it adapts well to rooms with little natural light.
• Sansevieria : Also known as "mother-in-law's tongue", it is perfect for purifying the air and requires little care.
• Pothos : Ideal for those looking for a decorative and resistant plant, the pothos tolerates low light conditions well.

2. Flowering plants for winter weather

• Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima): Symbol par excellence of the month of December, with its red or white bracts.
• Cyclamen: Perfect for adding a touch of colour to indoor environments.
• Amaryllis: With its large flowers, it is an elegant and impactful choice.

3. Aromatic plants for the kitchen

• Rosemary: Cold-resistant, it can be used for both decorating and cooking.
• Thyme and Sage: Small and fragrant, they are perfect for creating an aromatic corner.

Criteria for choosing plants in December

1. Evaluate the available space

Hanging plants like pothos are great for small apartments, while indoor palms like Kentia are ideal for larger rooms.

2. Consider light and temperature

Heated homes can be dry; Opt for plants such as chlorophytum or dragon tree, which tolerate domestic heating well.

3. Think about maintenance

If you're short on time, choose low-maintenance plants like zamia or sansevieria. For the more experienced, flowering plants such as the orchid can be a stimulating challenge.

How to care for house plants in December

Domestic plants require special care during the winter months. With the arrival of December, the needs for irrigation, humidity and pest protection become crucial to keeping them healthy. Here's how to best approach the care of your plants with the right products. 

1. Watering

• Avoid overwatering: In winter, many plants enter a vegetative dormant phase. Water them only when the soil is dry.
• Water at room temperature: Avoids thermal shock at the roots.

During the winter, indoor plants need moderate watering to avoid problems such as root rot or dry soil. Two ideal products for optimizing hydration are:

Aquastick Cifo Moisturizing Gel

Cifo Aquastick Moisturizing Gel is an innovative solution to keep the soil constantly moist without the risk of overwatering. The gel gradually releases water, ensuring balanced hydration for weeks.

• How to use: Place a gel capsule near the plant's roots.
• Practical tip: Ideal for those who travel often or forget to water regularly.

Watering Verdevivo Water Reserve

The Verdevivo Water Reserve Wateringis perfect for providing plants with the necessary water, releasing it gradually. This prevents waterlogging and keeps the soil in optimal conditions for growth.

• How to use: Insert the device into the ground and fill it with water. He will take care of watering the plant slowly.
• Practical tip: Check the water level regularly to make sure it doesn't run out.

2. Humidity

Dry air from heating can damage the leaves. Use a humidifier or place a saucer with water near the plants.

Blumat Digital - Digital Soil Moisture Meter

The Blumat Digital is a simple and intuitive device that measures soil moisture, helping you to understand when it is the right time to water.

• How to use: Insert the probe into the soil near the roots for continuous monitoring.
• Practical tip: Use it regularly to avoid overwatering or deficiency, especially with sensitive plants such as orchids or ficus.

3. Placement

Avoid placing plants near direct heat sources or in areas subject to cold drafts.

4. Fertilizers

In December, reduce your use of fertilizers, focusing on slow-release ones to support your plants without overloading them.

To support them adequately during this period, it is advisable to use a specific fertilizer for green plants. CIFO  liquid fertilizer for green plants is particularly suitable for fully nourishing all plants grown at home, on the terrace and on the balcony. 

How to use:

• Dilute a measuring cup (18-20 ml) in 3 litres of water.
• Irrigate the plant and soil with the solution obtained.
• In winter, apply every two weeks.

Tip: Fertilize on already moist soil to facilitate nutrient absorption and prevent possible stress on the roots.

This fertilizer contains essential microelements in chelated form, preventing leaf yellowing and promoting lush plant development, even during the winter months.

Common conditions in winter

1. Yellowing of the leaves

Often caused by over- or underwatering.

Aquastick Cifo Moisturizing Gel

This gel ensures a gradual release of water, avoiding stagnation or drought.

• Tip: Use it for plants that need constant humidity, such as potos or dracaena.

Watering Verdevivo Water Reserve

The gradual watering provided by this system reduces the risk of water stress.

• Tip: Suitable for plants in large pots or for those who tend to forget about watering.

2. Parasites

Even in winter, domestic plants can be attacked by pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and spider mites. Here's how to defend them:

Mites: KO RTU Aphids

Mites can quickly weaken plants. KO Aphids RTU Greenlive is a ready-to-use insecticide that effectively eliminates these pests.

• How to use: Spray the product directly onto the leaves, focusing on the underside.
• Tip: Repeat the application every 7 days until it is completely gone.

Mealybugs: KO Verdivivo mealybugs

Mealybugs suck the linfa of plants, causing weakness and stickiness on the leaves. KO Greengreen mealybugs is the ideal solution.

• How to use: Spray the product directly on the visible insects and affected leaves.
• Tip: Repeat the treatment every 10 days to avoid new infestations.

Red spider mite: Stop Insects Cifo Soft Soap Ready to Use

The red spider mite is a mite that causes yellowing and loss of leaves. The Soft soap Stop Cifo Insects Ready to Use It is a natural and effective solution to combat it.

• How to use: Spray evenly on the leaves, insisting on the underside.
• Tip: Treat the plants on a dry day and repeat the application every 7 days.

3. Molds

Mold on the ground indicates overwatering and poor ventilation. Remove the topsoil and reduce watering.

By following these guidelines and using the recommended products, your domestic plants will not only survive the winter, but will continue to grow luxuriantly and give beauty and well-being to your home.

FAQ about winter house plants

1. Which plants require the least light in December?

• Plants such as zamia, sansevieria and pothos are ideal for environments with low light.

2. Can I fertilize plants in winter?

• Yes, but use slow-release fertilizers and only for plants that show signs of growth.

3. How to protect plants from cold drafts?

• Place them away from windows or doors that open frequently. Use lightweight pot covers if necessary.

4. Can aromatic plants live all winter indoors?

• Yes, but they require a lot of light and regular watering. Place them near a south-facing window.

5. Is it possible to keep a poinsettia alive after the holidays?

• Yes, by gradually reducing watering after flowering and transferring it to a cool place with indirect light.