Winter in Quebec is long, cold and sometimes a little depressing… But did you know that growing indoor plants or taking care of a bonsai can significantly improve your well-being? 🌱
Whether you have a green thumb or not, gardening in winter offers many benefits: reduced stress, better air quality, and even a boost to your morale thanks to bacteria naturally present in the soil.
In this article, discover why and how to integrate plants into your daily life, even in the middle of winter!
1. Why garden in winter? The unsuspected benefits of indoor plants
A boost of well-being
Plants aren't just decorative: their mere presence reduces stress and improves mood. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology shows that interacting with plants lowers heart rate and anxiety.
Touching the earth makes you happy
It's not just a feeling: contact with the earth actually stimulates the production of serotonin, the happy hormone. The bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae , present in the soil, acts as a natural antidepressant according to Scientific American .
Healthier air at home
In winter, our interiors are often drier and more polluted. Certain plants, such as ivy or pothos, filter toxins and increase humidity levels, thus contributing to better air quality.
2. Bonsai and indoor plants: the best way to learn patience
A hobby that teaches perseverance
In a world where everything goes fast, bonsai is an invitation to slow down. Unlike classic plants that grow quickly, a bonsai requires patience and attention. You have to observe its leaves, understand its rhythm and adjust its maintenance according to your needs.
Observing nature, a way to refocus
Watching a plant grow is like taking a moment to pause. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that caring for a plant can reduce stress and improve concentration.
Learning accessible to all
Contrary to what you might think, taking care of a bonsai or a houseplant does not require being an expert. With the right advice and a little regularity, anyone can succeed in making their little corner of nature thrive at home.
Want to try? The Bonsai Box is a great way to get started with this art and develop your patience.
3. Winter and indoor plants: mistakes to avoid
Improper watering
In winter, the water requirements of plants decrease. Watering too frequently can suffocate the roots and cause diseases. It is recommended to let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
A lack of light
The short days of winter reduce natural exposure to sunlight. To prevent your plants from wilting, place them near a window or use an LED grow light . These lights mimic natural light and help plants survive the darker months.
Unsuitable temperatures
Houseplants hate cold drafts and temperature fluctuations. Avoid placing them near radiators or poorly insulated windows, and keep a stable temperature around 18-22°C.
Neglecting humidity
Heating dries out the air, which can harm plants. To prevent leaves from turning brown, spray the foliage with a little water or use a humidifier.
4. How to choose your indoor plants and bonsai?
A bonsai, yes, but which one?
Not everyone lives in the same conditions, and not all bonsai varieties require the same maintenance. If you want to start with an adult Bonsai, choose robust species such as Japanese Cedar , Eastern Juniper , Carmona or Chinese Elm . These varieties are more tolerant of variations in humidity and light. If you are patient and want to test several species at the same time, order the Bonsai Box or the Bonsai Box Deluxe which offer seeds from 8 different species!
Easy-to-maintain indoor plants
If you want to bring a touch of greenery into your home without too much effort, there are some plants that are ideal. Pothos , Spathiphyllum (or "moonflower") and Sansevieria (or "mother-in-law's tongue") are perfect for beginners. They require little water and adapt to medium light.
Each house has its own plant atmosphere
Do you live in a dimly lit apartment? Choose plants that are suitable for shaded areas, such as Zamioculcas or Aglaonema . Do you like flowering plants? Anthurium or Orchid will add a touch of colour to your interior.
The right container for good development
Choosing the right pot is essential for the health of your plants. For a bonsai, choose a ceramic pot with a drainage hole and place a small grid at the bottom to prevent soil from escaping. For indoor plants, avoid pots without drainage which can promote root rot.
5. What if we tried?
A hobby that brings joy
Caring for a bonsai or a houseplant is much more than just a hobby. It’s a moment of relaxation, a way to reconnect with nature and slow down in an often stressful daily life. And the best part? It’s accessible to everyone, even without a green thumb.
A gift that pleases
Are you looking for an original idea for a loved one? Giving a plant is giving well-being, a corner of nature and a relaxing activity. With the Bonsai Box , you give someone the opportunity to discover a new hobby and enjoy the happiness of seeing a plant grow day after day.
Ready to get started?
Why wait? Whether to brighten up your home this winter or to offer a memorable gift, plants are a great way to bring a little nature and serenity into your daily life.
Start your plant adventure and share with us in the comments the name of the plant that makes you happy in winter!
