Question
Hi Will,

I recently read an article that explained how plant transpiration increases with increased temperatures and lower humidity. Our home meets those conditions in the winter. Should we water our plants more frequently in winter to compensate for increased water loss due to transpiration? thanks, Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

Yes, transpiration (the passage of water up through the roots and out from the leaves) does incrase as temps rise and humidity drops. So that often means that indoor plants do use more water in winter than in summer. That seems counterintuitive, but it is a fact.

When watering at any time, it is best to not water by the calendar, but by the level of dryness of the soil. Thus, in warm dry air a plants soil might dry out in 5 days instead of the 7 or 8 days it might take in the summer. So if you monitor the soil dryness, then you will always water when it is needed regardless of the season or the transpiration rate.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC