I learned the hard way that some plants simply do not appreciate a drink in December.
I used to water everything on the same schedule, thinking I was doing them a favor, until a few of my favorites started drooping for no good reason.
Winter changes the rules, and a heavy hand with the watering can turn a healthy plant into a soggy mess overnight.
Once I figured out which plants prefer a dry spell during the cold months, everything started thriving again.
Knowing when to hold back can make all the difference in keeping your winter garden in top shape.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are basically the champions of neglect, and December is their time to really prove it.
These tough guys store water in their thick leaves, so they don’t need much help from you during the cold months.
Watering them too often in winter leads to mushy, yellowing leaves and root problems.
Once a month is plenty, maybe even less if your home is cool, they’ll thank you by staying strong and green all winter.
2. Jade Plant
Jade plants go into a serious rest period when temperatures drop and daylight fades.
Their chubby leaves hold plenty of moisture already, so adding more water is like forcing someone to eat when they’re not hungry.
December overwatering causes the roots to sit in wet soil, which they absolutely hate.
Water sparingly, maybe every three to four weeks, and only if the soil feels bone dry, your jade will stay plump and happy.
3. Pothos
Pothos usually grows like crazy, but December slows everything down.
Lower light and cooler temps mean it’s just hanging out, not really growing or drinking much at all.
If you keep watering on your summer schedule, you’ll end up with soggy soil and potentially rotting roots.
Check the top two inches of soil, and only water when it’s completely dry.
This simple habit keeps your pothos vines looking fresh without overdoing it.
4. Christmas Cactus
You might think a plant blooming in winter needs tons of water, but that’s not the case here.
Christmas cactus actually prefers to dry out between waterings, especially when it’s getting ready to show off those gorgeous flowers.
Too much moisture in December can cause root rot and bud drop, which means no blooms for you.
Let the soil get pretty dry before giving it a small drink, your patience will be rewarded with stunning color.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another succulent that really doesn’t want your help in December.
It’s built to survive dry conditions, and winter is when it takes a serious break from growing.
Giving it too much water now just invites trouble like brown, mushy leaves and root issues.
Water maybe once a month, and make sure the soil dries out completely in between, your aloe will stay firm, green, and ready to soothe your next sunburn come summer.
6. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are practically indestructible, but even they have limits.
In December, their rhizomes store all the water they need, so extra drinks just sit around causing problems.
Overwatering in winter is one of the few ways to actually mess up a ZZ plant, leading to yellow leaves and root rot.
Water very lightly, maybe once every four to six weeks, they’re happiest when you basically forget about them during the cold season.
7. Succulents (General)
Most succulents take December as their official vacation month.
They’re designed to handle dry spells, and winter’s shorter days and cooler air mean they’re barely using any water at all.
Watering them like you do in summer will leave them sitting in damp soil, which leads to rot faster than you’d think.
Once a month is more than enough, and some can go even longer, let them rest, and they’ll bounce back beautifully in spring.