I love this. Almost everyone I know is obsessed with having indoor plants now. Being a “plant parent” or being surrounded by your “plant babies” is suddenly cool and I’m totally down with that. However, as much as you love your plant babies, if you’re like me, you may have a few issues with keeping them healthy throughout the winter.

During warmer months, our windows get plenty of sunshine streaming through and I usually have no issue with the soil or leaf health of my indoor plants. Every once in awhile, I soak them in some sunny rays and then bring them back in and they’re good to go. The cooler indoor temps keep the soil at the perfect setting and with the plants I have, I can pretty much forget about them.

Winter is a bit different. The heat has a tendency to either dry out the soil or the top layer sometimes starts growing a layer of mildew or mold if I don’t keep an eye on them. The absolute easiest way to keep everybody healthy, happy and mildew free is with a spritz of an essential oil water blend 2-3x a week.

I keep a spray bottle (my favorite ones are here) right next to my plants so I remember to give them a spray at least twice a week. And the recipe is so simple:

• 10 drops “thieves” blend of choice (Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Lemon and Clove)
• 2 tsps witch hazel
• 16oz water

Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Lemon and Clove are antifungal and antibacterial, helping to prevent mildew and bacterial growth on leaves and soil. It even helps with those pesky mealies! If you want to read up on the scientific study from Oxford on essential oils and mealybug prevention on plants – here ya go! If you’re not into reading research reports, that’s understandable.