From Winter 2003
Create Your Own Indoor Winter Garden

If you’d like to create your own indoor garden this winter and keep your plants happy, consider these important elements:

Light

Most indoor plants need at least some natural light. Blooming plants
such as orchids need more light than palms. Consider a prefab greenhouse window over the sink or add windows to lighten the room. South-facing windows provide the best light for most plants. East-facing windows make the most of morning light, unless they are shaded by trees or buildings. A western exposure gives enough light for most plants, but hot afternoon sun can burn foliage. North-facing windows are good only for plants that take low light. Consider sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds to protect plants from intense sunlight, especially from west-facing windows.

Temperature

Most houseplants thrive with average indoor temperatures of 68-72 degrees during the day and no lower than 55 degrees at night, although some plants like it cooler. Keep plants out of drafts and away from fireplaces and heater vents.

Humidity

A home’s dry winter heat is tough on tropical palms. To raise
humidity levels around these plants, fill wide saucers with pebbles or decorative glass, add water, then set pots on top, making sure plants are not sitting in water. Spray plants every other day with a fine mist of water.