Canada’s long winters, short daylight hours, and dry indoor air can make it challenging to keep houseplants healthy year-round. But with the right tools and a few simple adjustments, your plants can stay strong, green, and growing — no matter what the weather is doing outside.
This guide covers how to manage lighting, temperature, and humidity during Canada’s darker, colder months, plus which products can help your plants thrive in every season.
Understanding Seasonal Light Changes
In most parts of Canada, daylight hours drop dramatically in fall and winter — sometimes to less than eight hours a day. This lack of sunlight means your plants get less energy for photosynthesis, leading to slower growth and duller color.
During winter, even bright windows may not provide enough light intensity for tropical plants. South- and west-facing windows still give the best light, but sunlight tends to be weaker and shorter in duration.
If you notice leggy growth, smaller leaves, or pale foliage, your plants are likely not getting enough light.
Using Grow Lights to Supplement Natural Light
Grow lights are one of the most effective tools for helping houseplants during Canada’s darker months. A good-quality grow light mimics natural sunlight and gives your plants the full spectrum of light they need for healthy growth.
When choosing a grow light, look for:
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Full-spectrum LED lights, which provide both warm and cool wavelengths
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Adjustable height or brightness, to fit the needs of different plants
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Timers, so plants get a consistent light cycle each day
Aim to provide your plants with around 12 to 14 hours of light daily during the winter months. Position grow lights 12 to 18 inches above your plants for the best coverage.
Avoiding Cold Damage
Cold drafts are one of the biggest winter threats to houseplants in Canada. Even tropical plants that do well indoors can struggle when exposed to chilly air from windows, doors, or vents.
Here’s what to watch for:
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Leaves touching cold windows can develop brown or black patches
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Sudden temperature drops may cause leaves to curl, droop, or fall off
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Plants near exterior doors can suffer stress from constant bursts of cold air
Tips to prevent cold damage:
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Keep plants at least a few inches away from windows and doors
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Use insulating curtains at night to trap warmth
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Move delicate plants (like calatheas or anthuriums) to warmer, draft-free spots
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Make sure plants aren’t near heating vents either — hot, dry air can cause just as much stress
Managing Dormancy and Slower Growth
Many houseplants naturally slow down or enter a semi-dormant phase during the winter months. This is completely normal — shorter days and lower light signal plants to conserve energy.
You’ll notice:
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Slower growth
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Fewer new leaves
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Slight yellowing or shedding of older foliage
How to support your plants during dormancy:
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Water less frequently. Because growth slows, plants use less water.
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Skip fertilizer until spring. Adding nutrients when the plant isn’t actively growing can do more harm than good.
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Focus on consistent light and temperature. Keep your plants stable rather than pushing for growth.
When spring arrives and days get longer, you’ll see new growth again. That’s the time to resume fertilizing and regular watering.
Boosting Plant Health with Additives
Winter can stress plants, making them more susceptible to disease or nutrient deficiencies. Adding biological and soil-based supplements can help strengthen roots and support recovery once growth picks up again.
Consider using:
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Bios Plant Probiotics – beneficial microbes that promote root health and prevent soil disease.
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Maya’s Growing Mediums – potting mixes designed to provide proper drainage while retaining enough moisture during dry winter months.
These products can help plants maintain strong root systems, which is especially important when they’re under environmental stress.
Humidity and Indoor Air Tips
Canadian winters often bring extremely dry indoor air due to heating systems. Low humidity can cause leaf edges to brown or curl, especially in tropical species.
Simple ways to raise humidity include:
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Grouping plants together to create a humid microclimate
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Using a room humidifier nearby
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Placing plants on trays filled with pebbles and water (without letting the pot sit directly in water)
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Misting lightly, but not excessively — too much surface moisture can attract pests
How to Prepare for Spring
As the days lengthen and the air warms, your plants will start waking up from their winter rest. Gradually increase watering frequency, and begin feeding with a gentle, balanced fertilizer.
Repotting is best done in spring or early summer, when plants are actively growing. Use high-quality potting mixes, such as Maya’s Aroid or General Mix, to encourage healthy new roots.
Final Thoughts
Caring for houseplants in Canada takes a little extra attention during the colder months, but it’s absolutely possible to keep your plants thriving all year long. By supplementing light with grow lights, avoiding cold drafts, maintaining humidity, and supporting roots with quality soil and probiotics, you’ll set your plants up for long-term success.
At Urbane Eight, we offer the tools and products Canadian plant parents need to succeed — from grow lights and moisture meters to soil mixes and plant probiotics. With the right setup, your indoor jungle can stay lush and healthy, no matter how cold it gets outside.