Peter Dowdall: How to keep your houseplants happy this winter

'Houseplants can be high maintenance, but the good news is not all of them are prima donnas, and some actually love winter — or will at least tolerate it'

Phalenopsis orchids are surprisingly easy to grow through the winter, says Peter Dowdall. File picture

When winter comes and the temperatures and light levels drop, we retreat indoors, crank up the heating, close the curtains far too early, and try to convince ourselves that it will all be over very soon.

Barely a thought is given to our houseplants; they don’t get a say in any of it. One day they’re basking in bright summer light, the next they’re stuck beside a radiator being slow-roasted like chestnuts, and then we wonder why the leaves crisp up or fall off in dramatic fashion, as though the plant is fainting purely for effect.