Some homeowners morosely describe themselves as "plant killers," saying that their efforts to care for houseplants are somehow more deadly than herbicide. Even if the plants around your home do well under your care, you may notice that they start to suffer during the winter months.

Houseplants lend an attractive appearance to your home and help to improve its air quality, but they'll need some extra care in the off-season. A few simple steps will keep the plants looking nice until warmer temperatures return.

Several winter conditions will stress your houseplants. Deborah L. Brown, writing for the University of Minnesota Extension, says the plants will receive fewer hours of sunlight than other seasons and the light won't be as intense since the sun is lower in the sky. In addition, the air will be drier and the home's temperatures might be too cold for the plant – or, in some cases, too warm.

You can start by finding out the unique needs of each plant. Steve Asbell, writing for the real estate site Zillow, says every plant has an ideal range for sunlight, moisture, and temperature. By grouping similar plants together, you can save yourself time when providing care in the winter.

Some plants may need to be moved to new locations to more easily meet their needs. If a plant requires ample sunlight, it will be at its healthiest when placed near a south-facing window. Plants that thrive on high humidity can be temporarily moved to the bathroom to capitalize on your steamy showers.

Giving the plants these natural benefits may be enough to keep them healthy during the winter. Rebecca Kolls, writing for the National Gardening Association, says you can follow the rule "neglect with respect," since most plants won't grow as vigorously during the winter.

Some plants may need to be moistened frequently, but others will only need an occasional deep watering. Check the soil once a week to see if the top half-inch is dry; if so, you should add water. Brown says plants will need more frequent watering if they are located in areas with minimal sunlight, higher temperatures, or lower humidity.

Plants should be kept in pots with drain holes at the bottom, and the pots should be placed on saucers. Water a plant until it starts to drain out the bottom, and put this excess moisture down the sink.

A home's winter humidity levels are driven down by the heated air, increasing the loss of water from a plant's leaves. Placing a humidifier near the plant can alleviate this issue. Richard Jauron, writing for the Iowa State University Extension, says you also can create a microclimate for plants that need high humidity levels by placing these plants on a tray of gravel or pebbles, then filling this tray about halfway up with water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity levels around the plant.

Periodically refill the tray to allow water to continue evaporating. The tray's water level should always stay below the bottom of the pot.

Don't spray plants with a mister to try to increase humidity. Brown says wetting the leaves will only temporarily increase humidity levels, and it will make the plant more susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot.

Most houseplants grow best in temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees, with about a 10-degree drop during the night. Jauron says plants are most likely to be harmed during severe temperature fluctuations or if temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

While it's unlikely that you're keeping your home this cool during the winter, you'll still want to keep the plants away from any drafty areas. If you are locating a plant near a window, make sure its leaves don't touch the glass. Houseplants should also be kept a safe distance from radiators and heating vents. Brown says air circulation from ceiling fans will not harm the plants, and is actually beneficial.

Fertilization is generally not required until the spring. Kolls says that if you choose to feed your houseplants, you should dilute the fertilizer by at least 50 percent.

Occasionally washing the leaves with a heavily diluted solution of dish soap will remove any dust and debris. Asbell says you should also inspect the plant whenever you water it to remove any pests or dead leaves. Wash your hands and tools after using them, and discard any diseased plants to keep them from affecting other plants.

Don't forget to move the plants again once spring arrives. Brown says plants that benefit from increased sunlight during the winter may scorch if they stay in place.