8 Signs Your Houseplants Are Going Dormant and What to Do Next

I’ve noticed my houseplants sometimes slow down or look different as the seasons shift. It can be tricky to tell if they’re just resting or if something’s actually wrong.

When I learn to spot the signs that my houseplants are going dormant, I can take better care of them and help them thrive all year.

Understanding dormancy helps me keep my plants healthy, even when they’re not actively growing.

1) Leaves turning yellow and dropping

I always keep an eye on my plants’ leaves, especially when they start changing color. When leaves turn yellow and fall off, it’s usually a sign the plant is going dormant.

This can look a bit alarming if you’re not used to it, but honestly, it’s just part of their cycle. During dormancy, my plants slow down and can’t make as much food, so they let some leaves go.

Yellowing leaves mean less energy is being used. It’s the plant’s way of saving up for better days.

I’ve learned that a few yellow leaves don’t mean disaster. It’s best not to panic or over-water.

Too much water when the plant is resting can actually do more harm than good. Sometimes only the older leaves at the bottom turn yellow first, and then more may drop later.

This is usually a sign my plant is prepping for a slow growth period. I know it can look a bit sad and messy, but it’s best to let the plant shed what it needs.

I avoid pruning a lot unless leaves are fully dead or brown. That way, the plant can focus on staying healthy.

Colder temperatures and less sunlight in winter are big triggers for this change. Every year, I remind myself that leaf drop is natural for many plants.

It’s just my plant’s way of taking a break. If I notice yellowing and leaf drop, I check the soil moisture and move the plant away from cold drafts.

Keeping things stable helps my plant handle dormancy better. I try not to fertilize or move the plant around too much during this time.

Letting it rest is key for a strong comeback in spring.

2) Slowed or no new growth

One of the first things I notice when my houseplants start going dormant is slowed or no new growth. During their active periods, plants usually put out new leaves or shoots, but when dormancy hits, all this seems to just stop.

It can look like my plant has just frozen in time. No new leaves pop up, even if I’m caring for it the same as always.

Slowed growth doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It’s a normal reaction, especially when days get shorter or the temperature drops.

Many houseplants naturally rest during fall and winter. When my plants go dormant, I try not to stress about the lack of change.

I remind myself this is their way of saving energy until things improve.

Sometimes, the few new leaves that do show up are much smaller or slower to develop. This usually lasts until the plant “wakes up” again in spring.

If I try to push my plant to grow during this time, it just doesn’t work. No matter what I do, it just won’t grow faster while dormant.

Instead of forcing things, I use this quiet time to check on my plants and let them rest.

That way, they’ll be ready to bounce back when their active season returns.

Patience is key with dormant plants. I let nature do its thing and enjoy the slower pace for a while.

3) Wilting despite regular watering

I’ve noticed that sometimes my houseplants start to wilt even if I’m giving them enough water. Wilting can be confusing when the soil isn’t dry.

It’s easy to think something is wrong, but wilting can actually be a normal sign of dormancy. When plants go dormant, their need for water drops.

They slow their metabolism and stop growing. Even with regular watering, the leaves may droop or look soft.

This doesn’t always mean the plant is unhealthy. Overwatering can actually harm plants during dormancy.

Water can build up in the soil since the roots aren’t taking it in as quickly. When I see wilting, I resist the urge to add more water.

I check the soil first. If it’s still damp, I wait before watering again.

Wilting leaves during this time may also feel limp or look faded. My houseplants usually recover as soon as dormancy ends and growth starts again.

It’s important for me to adjust my care during these slow periods. I keep an eye on temperature and light, since seasonal changes often signal plants to go dormant.

If wilting happens along with cooler temperatures and less sunlight, it’s a clear sign my plant is taking a break.

4) Brown leaf tips developing

I sometimes notice brown tips showing up on my houseplants’ leaves. This can look a bit worrying, but honestly, it’s often just a sign my plant is going dormant.

When a plant goes dormant, it uses less water and slows its growth. The ends of leaves can dry out and turn brown because the plant is conserving energy.

I always check if the soil is too dry or too wet. Both can cause brown tips, but during dormancy, it’s usually because the plant is using less water.

I try to keep watering light and only when the soil feels dry. Dry air in my home can make brown tips worse, especially in winter when indoor heating makes things drier.

Mist the leaves or use a humidifier if your home air is really dry. It’s important not to panic if I see brown tips.

As long as the rest of the plant looks healthy, and I’m not watering too much or too little, it’s likely just a normal part of dormancy.

I sometimes trim off the brown tips to keep things tidy, but I make sure to use clean, sharp scissors.

If there are only a few brown tips and the plant’s leaves are mostly green, I’m not too concerned. Most houseplants bounce back with fresh new growth once dormancy ends.

5) Plants shrinking in size

I’ve noticed that my houseplants sometimes look smaller when they’re starting to go dormant. They might not have as many leaves, or their stems might look less full.

This is usually nothing to worry about. Many plants shed leaves or stop growing new ones during dormancy to save energy.

The plant isn’t dying—it’s just taking a rest. I often see leaves drop or get smaller in the cooler months.

This is the plant’s way of coping with less sunlight or cooler air. Sometimes, my plants even lose older leaves on the bottom, making them look a bit skinnier.

New growth stops appearing during this time, too. I used to stress, but now I know it’s a normal part of their cycle.

The shrinking is temporary and usually reverses when spring returns. It’s important for me to avoid overwatering or fertilizing shrunken plants.

Their roots aren’t using much energy, so extra water or food can actually do harm. I just keep an eye on them and wait for the growing season.

If I see my plant looking small and thin, I know it’s just taking a break. I’ll continue giving it enough light and check the soil moisture, but otherwise, I leave it alone.

These changes in size are a normal part of plant dormancy. I remind myself that my plant is resting, not suffering.

6) Leaves curling inward

I notice one big sign: leaves curling inward on my houseplants. When I see the edges of leaves slowly folding in, I know something’s up.

This curling is often a natural sign that my plant is getting ready to rest. During dormancy, plants don’t need as much water or sunlight.

Their leaves may curl up to protect themselves and keep moisture in. I used to worry that curling meant my plant was dying, but it’s just a way for the plant to save energy.

Dry air or cold temperatures can also make leaves curl. In winter, my home gets drier and cooler, so I watch my plants more closely.

When I see curling at the same time every year, it’s usually because the plant is slowing down for the season.

If I touch the curled leaves, they often feel softer, not crispy. I avoid overwatering when I see curling because extra water can hurt a dormant plant.

Instead, I wait a bit longer before watering. Sometimes, younger leaves curl while older ones do not.

This tells me the plant is focusing its energy where it needs it most. I’ve learned not to panic when I see curled leaves in fall or winter.

It’s just a sign that my plant wants some downtime. I support it by reducing water and moving it away from cold drafts.

Watching for curled leaves helps me care for my houseplants. It’s a simple way to know when they’re getting ready for dormancy.

7) Reduced leaf shine or dullness

I’ve noticed that when my houseplants get ready to go dormant, their leaves often lose their usual shine. The bright and glossy leaves can turn dull or even a little dusty-looking.

This makes the plant look less lively, but it’s a normal sign. When I touch the leaves, they don’t feel as smooth or waxy as before.

Instead, the surface might seem rougher or less vibrant. This change can be surprising if I’m used to seeing sparkling, healthy leaves.

Some plants lose their shine because they’re not making as many natural oils during dormancy. Less oil means less gloss. It’s the plant’s way of saving energy.

Sometimes, the color of the leaves might also look faded. I don’t panic because leaf dullness is usually a harmless part of dormancy.

I remind myself that this phase is temporary. Once the plant is ready to wake up and grow again, I usually see new, shiny leaves appear.

It’s just one way my plant tells me it’s taking a break. If I see dullness along with other signs like less growth and shedding leaves, I can be pretty sure my plant is going dormant.

I avoid overwatering or adding fertilizer during this stage. The plant just needs time to rest.

I gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth if they seem really dusty, but I don’t overdo it. Less fuss is better when my plant is in its dormant phase!

8) Stems becoming woody or brittle

I’ve noticed that when my houseplants start going dormant, their stems really do change. Instead of staying soft and green, some stems just turn woody or even brittle—which always surprises me a little.

This is basically the plant slowing down its growth. When I feel the stems getting harder or rougher, I figure my plant’s just using less energy.

It’s normal for some plants to do this as they focus more on resting than growing. Sometimes, older stems snap more easily than before, which can be a bit alarming.

Brittle stems mean the plant isn’t pushing water and nutrients as much as it did during its active phase. I try not to handle my plants too roughly during this time.

Even though woody stems look a bit worrying, I remind myself it’s usually nothing serious. Plants like figs or geraniums often get this way in colder or darker months.

It’s their way of conserving resources. I also keep an eye out for other things like leaf drop or slower growth.

If I spot a bunch of woody stems along with these signs, it’s a safe bet my plant’s just taking a break, not dying. If I want to trim, I use clean scissors and I never cut too close to the healthy bits.

Patience really pays off here. When spring finally rolls around, my plant usually bounces back with those soft, green stems I love.

Understanding Dormancy in Houseplants

Dormancy is just a natural time when my houseplants seem to hit pause or slow way down. Knowing how and why this happens helps me care for them better—and maybe avoid a few mistakes.

What Dormancy Means for Indoor Plants

Dormancy is when my houseplants slow down, stop growing, or even lose a few leaves. This isn’t a sign of sickness; it’s just their way of saving energy when things get tough.

During dormancy, I notice that new leaves and flowers rarely appear. Sometimes it feels like nothing’s happening at all.

I often see my plant’s growth stop, but the roots are still alive under the soil. Some leaves might yellow or drop, and the plant can look a little sad.

Dormancy is normal for many indoor plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and peace lilies. If I water less and skip the fertilizer, they seem to get through this resting phase just fine.

Dormancy usually sticks around through colder months, but it really depends on the plant. I try not to bug them too much while they’re resting.

Common Temperatures That Trigger Dormancy

When indoor temps drop below 60°F (16°C), lots of houseplants start to go dormant. Some, like calatheas, can react to even small changes.

If I put my plants near drafty windows or in chilly rooms, that can also set off dormancy. Here’s a quick table of some common houseplants and temperatures that often trigger their dormancy:

Plant Type	Dormancy Trigger Temp
Snake Plant	Below 55°F / 13°C
Peace Lily	Below 60°F / 16°C
Fiddle Leaf Fig	Below 60°F / 16°C

If my house stays warm all year, plants might keep growing longer. Still, most indoor plants need some kind of rest—especially when the sunlight fades in winter.

I always check for drafts or cold air near my plants in the colder months. That way, I can spot dormancy before it sneaks up on me.

How to Support Dormant Houseplants

When my houseplants go dormant, I always tweak my care routine. Keeping them healthy is pretty simple if I pay attention to water and light.

Adjusting Watering Routines

Dormant houseplants just don’t need as much water. I check the soil before watering—if it’s dry about an inch down, then it’s time.

Overwatering is a big no-no because plants are barely using any moisture. I use a moisture meter sometimes, but honestly, poking a finger in the dirt works fine.

Here’s what I do:

• Water only when the soil feels dry
• Use room temperature water
• Skip the fertilizer—plants just don’t need it right now

Less water also means no soggy trays, so I dump out any extra. In winter, I might go two or even three weeks between waterings.

Light and Placement Tips

Even when my plants are resting, they still want bright, indirect light. I move them closer to windows but keep them away from drafts.

South or east-facing windows usually work best in my place. If there isn’t enough daylight, I’ll use grow lights on a timer to give them 10-12 hours of light.

Rotating the pots every week helps so all sides get some sun. I also wipe dust off the leaves—clean leaves just work better.

Small changes in placement and care can make a pretty big difference during dormancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

I always notice certain patterns when my houseplants slow down each year. Spotting the difference between dormancy and sickness is key, so I can actually help them.

What are common indicators that a houseplant is entering dormancy?

Leaves turning yellow and dropping is a big sign. I also see slowed or no new growth, even if I’m doing everything the same.

Wilting, brown leaf tips, or my plant shrinking in size are other clues.

How can I tell if my plant’s dormancy is due to the season or poor health?

Seasonal dormancy usually pops up in late fall or winter. My plant looks quiet but the stems are still firm.

If leaves wilt, turn black, or the soil smells funky, it’s probably poor health or root rot instead.

Can you provide a list of houseplants that typically go dormant in winter?

Lots of my plants take a break in winter. Some common ones are Caladiums, Alocasias, Colocasia, and a few types of Ficus.

Peace Lilies and Amaryllis usually go dormant too when it gets colder.

What should I do to care for my dormant plants during the cooler months?

I cut back on watering and stop fertilizing. I keep my plants in a bright spot, but not near drafts or heaters.

I avoid repotting or pruning while they’re dormant—it’s just better to wait for signs of new growth in spring.

How long does the dormancy period last for most indoor plants?

Most of my indoor plants stay dormant for 2 to 4 months, depending on what kind they are and how warm my place is.

Some might only pause for a few weeks, especially if the room stays on the warmer side.

Are there any steps I can take to prevent my houseplants from going dormant?

I can’t totally stop natural dormancy, but I can do a few things to make it less likely. Giving my plants more light and keeping the temperature steady definitely helps.

I like to set them near a bright window—sunny spots seem to perk them up. Oh, and I try to make sure the room doesn’t get too chilly or drafty in winter, since that seems to make a difference.

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