Last updated: 16 July 2026

The best way to keep office plants healthy in winter is to reduce watering, temporarily stop plant food, and protect them from dry heating air and draughts. Because plants go into a dormant state due to the limited winter light, they require significantly less care than in the summer. With an adjusted position and dust-free leaves, your plants will get through the cold months in vital condition.

Why office plants require different care in winter

When winter sets in, the plants in your workplace undergo a less visible but crucial change. Due to the lower light intensity of the winter sun, plants enter a so-called 'dormant state' (dormancy). Their metabolism slows down, drastically reducing their need for water and nutrients.

  • Controlled watering: Because plants grow more slowly in winter, they use significantly less water. The biggest threat to your office plants during these months is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The soil simply needs more time to breathe.

  • Pausing plant food: Adding extra nutrients to a dormant plant can seriously damage the roots due to a build-up of salts. Our experts stop applying plant food entirely until the plant shows signs of new growth in the spring.
     

Our experts share their insights on winter maintenance in the workplace

"In practice, we see that many organisations tend to give extra water as soon as the heating comes on," says our service expert. "However, this is the most common mistake made in winter care for indoor plants. By allowing the plants to rest now, we lay the foundation for a fresh and vibrant look as soon as spring arrives. We find that a controlled, professional approach to watering significantly extends the lifespan of the plants."

Our service technicians intentionally adjust their visit frequency and maintenance activities during this period. This is a specialist decision to optimally protect the health of your plants.

Combating dry air and dust in the office

When the thermostat in the workplace goes up to keep out the cold, indoor humidity drops rapidly. This poses a major challenge for tropical plants. During the winter months, our experts focus on the following crucial maintenance points:

  • Maximising light intake: In winter, every ray of daylight counts. We keep the leaves extra clean and dust-free, allowing the plant to optimally absorb the limited light available for photosynthesis.

  • Protection from heat sources: We check that your plants are not positioned too close to radiators or in draughts near entrances. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause leaf drop.

  • Improving humidity: We advise on grouping plants together or placing water reservoirs to create a healthier microclimate.

Alongside live plants, we are also happy to advise on elegant silk flowers and innovative moss walls to give your office design a vibrant look all year round. Feel free to contact Ambius to discuss the possibilities for your organisation.