Why do indoor plants keep dying in winter?

Indoor plants often die in winter because their environment changes faster than their care does. Shorter days, weaker light, cooler window temperatures, and dry heated air all slow growth and make plants more fragile.

The biggest winter mistakes are:

• Overwatering: plants use less water, so soggy soil can cause root rot. Check the soil first and let the top layer dry as needed.
• Dry air: heating can crisp leaves and brown the tips. A humidifier or grouping plants helps more than misting alone.
• Too little light: move plants closer to bright windows or use a grow light.
• Drafts and heat vents: cold air and hot blasts both stress plants.
• Too much fertilizer: many houseplants need little or none in winter.

Most winter losses come from treating plants like it’s still summer. Adjust watering, light, and humidity, and they usually do much better.