Brits urged to do 1 key thing to protect houseplants in winter

As October comes to a close and temperatures start to dip, many Britons are reluctantly leaving their gardens behind and turning their attention indoors. The shorter, chillier days make long hours outside feel like a distant memory, prompting green-fingered enthusiasts to bring their gardening passions inside.

Indoor gardening allows plant lovers to stay connected to nature even as frost threatens outdoor plants. It is also an accessible option for those with limited outdoor space, as the average UK lawn measures just 14 square metres, or for anyone looking to enjoy the joys of sowing and growing without leaving the house.

The trend is particularly popular among younger generations. Research shows that 83 per cent of millennials describe indoor gardening as "cool," with over half preferring a visit to a garden centre instead of a night out.

For those ready to transform their homes into green havens, there are plenty of simple ways to get started.

Kitchen windowsills provide the perfect spot for growing fresh herbs, with basil, mint, and thyme thriving indoors while adding flavour to winter meals.

For plants that offer both beauty and functionality, hardy varieties such as snake plants, peace lilies, and pothos are excellent choices.

They require minimal care while purifying the air.

Limited floor space is not a barrier. Wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, and propagation stations allow greenery to thrive at different heights.

Watching cuttings grow roots in water can be surprisingly therapeutic and is a great way to expand a plant collection, says gardening expert Luke Newnes from Hillarys Interior Squad.

Grow lights also ensure plants can flourish in darker corners, keeping homes vibrant throughout winter.

Houseplants offer more than visual appeal. Studies suggest that being around plants can increase workplace productivity by 15 per cent, while daily gardening has been linked to a 36 per cent lower risk of developing dementia in people over 60. "Plants do not just brighten a room, they brighten your mind," explains Newnes.

"Caring for indoor plants gives people a sense of purpose, routine, and connection to the natural world even when it is grey outside. During winter, greenery can act as a natural antidepressant.

"It is grounding, calming, and gives you something to nurture."

For Brits eager to keep their indoor gardens thriving through the colder months, experts say the single most important step is simple.

Protect your houseplants from winter chill by keeping them away from draughts, avoiding sudden temperature swings, and adjusting watering habits to suit shorter, cooler days.