It’s no wonder houseplants are looking ill these days, after having basked outdoors in summer sun and breezes, their leaves washed in rain. Think what a change they’ve had to endure, brought indoors to dim light, dry air and perhaps chlorinated municipal water.

They will survive. Many houseplants come from dark, tropical jungles, so they are accustomed to shade. As for dry air, well, it is not enjoyed, but is tolerated, by dracaena, weeping fig, rubber tree, philodendron, devils ivy, and other common houseplants.

Just because these plants can survive winter indoors does not mean that they can be neglected. Without help, they would die a slow death. And the dimmer the light and the drier the air indoors, the more care these plants need.

No need to be overly concerned about leaves dropping from your houseplants, or for some leaves developing a few brown margins. A periodic shedding of leaves is natural for all evergreens, such as weeping figs, although some are dropping because of the change in environment. The plant will be fine as long as it can hold onto a good portion of its leaves.

As for the marginal browning that can develop on a houseplant such as dracaena, the leaves aren’t diseased, just a little shocked from the move indoors. Damaged leaves will never look healthy, but the plant as a whole will be fine.

Mostly, what these plants now need is water when they are thirsty. The way to tell if a plant needs water is to lift the pot to feel its weight, or to probe into the soil with your finger or an electronic moisture probe.

Even though the plants don’t absolutely need it, they would enjoy more humidity in the air as well as moisture on their leaves. Misting with a sprayer does little good (although it might make you feel good), but a periodic shower in the bathroom would be greatly appreciated.