How to Care for Houseplants in Colorado’s Dry Climate
Keep your green friends thriving; even in high-desert air.
Colorado is known for its beautiful mountains, big blue skies, and dry climate; but those same features can present some challenges when it comes to keeping houseplants happy and healthy. If you’ve ever wondered why your leaves are browning, curling, or dropping suddenly, the culprit may be Colorado’s low humidity, intense sun, or seasonal shifts.
The good news? With a few mindful tweaks, your houseplants can thrive in high-altitude, low-moisture environments like Colorado Springs. Here at Hapke’s Hortum, we’ve gathered our top tips for caring for your leafy companions in this unique climate.
💧 1. Boost the Humidity
Most popular houseplants; like pothos, ferns, calatheas, and monsteras; are native to tropical environments. Colorado, with its average indoor humidity of 20-30% (compared to the 60-80% those plants love), can leave them crispy and stressed.
How to help:
Use a humidifier near your plant zones; especially during the winter.
Group plants together to create a little humidity bubble.
Place a pebble tray filled with water beneath your pots (but don’t let roots sit in water!).
Misting can offer temporary relief, but it’s not a long-term solution.
☀️ 2. Watch the Sun Exposure
Colorado’s high elevation means more intense sunlight, even through windows. That “bright indirect light” your plant wants? It might actually be too bright here.
Tips:
Move sensitive plants a few feet back from south- and west-facing windows.
Use sheer curtains to diffuse the sun and protect delicate leaves.
Rotate plants regularly to prevent one-sided growth or sunburns.
💦 3. Adjust Your Watering Routine
In dry air, soil can dry out faster on the surface, but not necessarily all the way through. Conversely, overwatering is still a risk, especially in winter when plant growth slows.
Do this:
Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil before watering; don’t just go by the top layer.
Use pots with drainage holes. Always.
Water deeply, less frequently. Allow water to drain completely and avoid soggy roots.
🪴 4. Choose the Right Plants
Some houseplants are naturally better suited for drier, high-elevation environments.
Hapke-approved hardy picks:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
ZZ Plant
Spider Plant
Aloe Vera
Rubber Plant
Cacti + Succulents (just keep them out of intense afternoon sun!)
We always have a fresh selection of these in the shop, so swing by if you're looking for a plant that can take the heat (and lack of moisture).
🌬️ 5. Be Mindful of Air Vents + Drafts
In Colorado, we tend to crank up the heat in winter and that dry, hot air can wreak havoc on houseplants.
Avoid placing plants:
Directly in front of heat vents
Near drafty doors or windows
Too close to fireplaces or space heaters
Instead, find a stable, cozy spot with consistent temps and indirect light.
🧪 Bonus: Feed Them Wisely
During the growing season (typically spring through early fall), a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 4–6 weeks can help your plants flourish, especially in a climate where they’re already working hard to stay hydrated.
🌿 You’ve Got This, Colorado Plant Parents!
A little extra attention goes a long way. With these simple adjustments, you’ll create an environment where your plants not only survive, but thrive; even in the high-altitude heart of Colorado Springs.
Need help diagnosing a struggling plant or want to add some hardy new friends to your collection?
Come visit us at Hapke’s Hortum in Old Colorado City for personalized advice, curated houseplants, and the cutest accessories to keep your green space growing strong.
