Today’s Solutions: August 03, 2026

Most houseplants enter a period of dormancy in the winter, especially if you live in a colder climate. You might notice that plants begin to drop leaves or dry up in winter, and three plants, in particular, are especially finicky about cold, dark weather. Here are some tips for keeping those picky varieties alive as the days get shorter.

Calathea

These beautiful multicolored plants hate dry air, which can make keeping them alive in the winter a challenge. To make sure they don’t dry up, try placing a garden dome over them or placing them near a humidifier. You can also try placing them on top of a tray of pebbles and water. Be sure to keep them away from heaters.

Fiddle leaf fig 

Fiddle leaf figs are infamous for being difficult to keep alive, and they can get especially perturbed by changes in lighting and humidity in the winter. Help this plant thrive by putting it near a sun-mimicking grow light and giving it a dose of plant protectant to help fend off pests and disease.

Peperomia

This ornate plant family doesn’t take a liking to the winter season, so be sure to move them away from drafty windows and hallways and be sure it’s getting enough water.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

The Great Bubble Barrier: bubble curtains are intercepting 86 percent of rive...

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Rivers are how plastic gets to the ocean. Stop it there, and you stop it for good. The ...

Read More

India connects 124 million rural homes to tap water

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Six years ago, fewer than one in six rural homes in India had a tap water connection. As ...

Read More

The biodegradable, self-cleaning fabric made from living caterpillar fungus

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The sustainable fashion industry has spent years trying to reduce harm: less water, fewer synthetic chemicals, more recycled ...

Read More

7 plants with super air-purifying powers

Houseplants are all great natural indoor air purifiers, but some are especially effective for improving indoor air quality. Here are seven houseplant varieties that ...

Read More