Spring Greens Plant Care Guide
How to help your house plants thrive this spring.
As the seasons change, you might have noticed that some of your house plants are looking a little worse for wear. There are a number of reasons for this but, primarily, most plants don’t like winter. Winter can be cold and dark – two things that house plants are not overly keen on. Fortunately, spring is here to save the day and we’ve got some great advice on how to make the most of it.
1. Repot / Pot up
Spring is a great time to repot houseplants. Repotting is important for keeping plants healthy, as replacing the soil helps supply the plant with new nutrients and cleaning the pots can help get rid of any diseases from the old soil.
If you're plant is showing signs that it has outgrown its pot, such as roots growing in circles or out of the bottom of the pot, then it might be time to up-size. Move your plant to a bigger pot to allow it to thrive this spring.
2. Feed / Fertilise
As spring comes around, your plants need to be fed nutrients again to stay healthy. Not feeding your plants could result in leaves browning, drooping and dropping off, so its important to know what to do.
Roots in garden plants can spread through the soil to find nutrients, but potted houseplants are reliant upon you for the minerals they need so fertiliser is of the utmost importance. Fertiliser comes in many forms, from pellets to liquid or mixed with compost, so choose which one is right for your plant. Organic feeds are not only better for the environment – they also encourage soil bacteria, which helps to keep soil healthy.
Establish a routine with your feeding (every two to four weeks is a good place to start, depending on the species and condition of your plant) and stick to it throughout the season.
3. Water your plants
Watering can be a tricky business. Too much? Too little? It can be easy to do the wrong thing and over or under-watering your plants can have disastrous consequences. Too much water can kill plants like succulents, while too little will affect the growth and health of some plants.
Plants need more water in spring than through the winter, as this is when they grow the most. Increase your watering according to your plants' specific needs, but be careful not to overwater!
4. Prune
One of the most important things to do for your plants as spring comes around is to prune. Getting rid of dead or dying leaves encourages new growth and helps keep your plant free of disease. Make sure you also clear dead leaves from the soil, as this also helps prevent disease and pests.
5. Spring clean
To prepare your plants for their growing season, it's a great idea to give them a spring clean. Dusting and cleaning the leaves not only makes the plant look nicer, but it also unblocks the pores in the leaves, helps it to breathe and helps it photosynthesise.
Spray your plants with water or clean with a damp cloth to remove dust. Taking your plants outside to give them a shower in the rain is also a great way to clean them. Just make sure to bring them out of direct sunlight when the rain stops, or the leaves could get scorched.
Posted: 11.03.20
Updated: 15.04.21