A new year is the perfect time to refresh your living decor as well as your indoor plant care routine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, a few simple care habits can help your indoor potted plants thrive throughout the winter and into the new year.
Keeping your indoor plants healthy not only supports their growth, but also allows you to enjoy the many benefits they offer. Indoor potted plants can boost your mood and productivity, making them the perfect addition to start the year on a positive note.
These five simple plant care tips from our HortyGirl Potted Plant expert provides a perfect New Year’s Plant Reset, and will help your living decor feel brighter and more vibrant in 2026.
Keep reading to learn how to give your plants a fresh start for the year ahead.
1. Clean Your Indoor Plants for a Fresh Start
If there is dust on the leaves of your indoor potted plants, it can block light and slow growth, especially during the darker winter months. Start your New Year plant reset by gently wiping leaves, removing any dry or yellowing foliage and giving the pots a quick clean.
This simple refresh helps your indoor potted plants absorb more light and boosts overall health, which is an easy way to revive indoor plants for the new year.
2. Adjust Light Placement for Winter Growth
Low winter light levels can stress indoor potted plants, slowing growth and affecting overall health. It’s best to move light-loving indoor plant varieties closer to bright windows and rotate them weekly to ensure even exposure, while keeping them away from heater or window drafts that can dry out or shock their leaves.
On the other hand, low light indoor potted plants should be pulled back from harsh direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and maintain steady, healthy growth.
For seasonal favourites, such as the Cypress Tree, consistent light and careful placement are especially important to keep its unique foliage vibrant and prevent browning or drooping during the darker winter months.
Optimizing winter lighting is one of the most effective ways to support healthy indoor plants in the new year and beyond.
3. Reset Your Watering Routine
If you want healthier indoor potted plants this year, start by rethinking how you water. Instead of watering on a schedule, check soil moisture first with a bamboo or wood skewer and water only when needed.
It’s best to water your indoor potted plants deeply and empty the saucers to prevent root rot, which is one of the most common winter plant issues.
Some plants, such as Air Plants, do not require soil, but still need consistent moisture to stay healthy. A simple soak in water every couple of weeks allows them to absorb the hydration they need, helping them maintain their structure and avoid drying out.
If you have one of our popular holiday Ellwoodii trees, be sure to keep its soil evenly moist after the holidays, as these Ellwoodii trees prefer consistent moisture to stay healthy.
If you recently received or purchased our newest product—the light bulb pot on a metal stand with plant stems in water—be sure to replace the water every few weeks. For best results, clean the container when you change the water and trim any stems that show signs of decay to keep your plant stems in water healthy and thriving.
These mindful, responsive watering habits will keep your indoor plants happy all year long.
4. Refresh The Soil Surface
Your indoor potted plants do not always require a full repot, especially during the winter when repotting can cause unnecessary stress. Sometimes a simple soil refresh is all they need.
Try loosening the top layer of soil to improve airflow, then add a light layer of fresh potting mix to give them a gentle nutrient boost. To determine the best potting mix for your indoor plants, check with your local nursery.
This quick, low-mess plant care habit supports stronger roots and healthier growth heading into 2026.
5. Do a Monthly Plant Check-In
Consistency is the key to thriving indoor potted plants. As you head into the new year, set aside one day each month to walk through your home or office and check on each of your indoor potted plants.
Take note of early signs of any pests, changes in growth and overall plant health. Assess watering needs, adjust light exposure and consider repositioning plants that may be outgrowing their space or not getting enough light.
A monthly indoor potted plant care check-in is a simple and powerful habit that helps prevent problems, encourages steady growth and supports the long-term health and vibrancy of your indoor plants.
Start 2026 With Healthier, Happier Plants
A New Year reset for your indoor potted plants doesn’t need to be complicated. By keeping your indoor plant care routine simple, intentional and consistent, you’ll create a greener home and healthier plants all year long. Here’s to a vibrant, thriving 2026 for you and your indoor potted plants.
For more plant care tips organized by plant type, visit our plant care blog.