THE Royal Horticultural Society advises that house plants should be watered and fed less as the days shorten.

Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the greenhouse or conservatory, perhaps opening vents for an hour or two on milder days to encourage air circulation.

Cacti need very little water, and no feeding, over the winter. Keep them barely moist until the spring, when they will be coming up to flowering and will therefore appreciate extra water and feed.

Clivia benefit similarly from a dormant period over winter, with less watering, feeding and lower light levels.

Check that light levels are sufficient for house plants. They will need light to carry on over the winter, and can easily be forgotten in a back room that receives little natural light. They are best moved to a sunny windowsill until March.

Pot up Hippeastrum (amaryllis) and bring them back into active growth with regular watering and feeding.

If your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata and S. x buckleyi) failed to set flower buds, it may be that the temperature is too high or that the plant is receiving artificial light. Try moving it into cooler conditions or away from night lighting.

Cyclamen persicum (often given as a winter pot plant) appreciates a cool room with good light. It is best watered from below as wetting the leaves can easily result in fungal infections and rotting off.

Cool conditions and regular watering will help keep potted indoor azaleas looking good for longer. Remember to water azaleas with rainwater collected in a rain butt, not with tap water.

Place hyacinths in a cool, bright place. If it’s too warm, the leaves will elongate and the flowers will fade quickly.