6" ZZ $19.99 | 6.75" modernist face tall planter $39.99 | 4" cactus $9.99 | 3" stoneware planter w gold pattern $9.99
Despite the frosty temperatures outside, it is officially spring here in the Northern Hemisphere! While I’m just itching to get out in the gardens, it simply isn’t warm enough yet. However, it is not too early to tend to our indoor plants, now is the perfect time to give them a little TLC. In fact, spring is a super important time of year for our houseplants. They are just waking up from a long winter snooze and are certainly needing some extra care to get them ready for the growing season.
After a long winter many of our plants may be looking a little lack lustre. This is ok. If your plant’s leaves are yellowing, browning, or falling off, there is plenty that can be done. This doesn’t mean they are a lost cause! We will clean them up, dress them up, and give them the food they need to thrive! Let’s go over some important factors to address concerning houseplants in the springtime.
6" monstera Swiss cheese plant $24.99 | Dog pot hanger $5.99
REPOTTING
When examining plants in the springtime it is important to look at the roots. If your plant has outgrown its pot, or needs a new & bigger home to grow in, spring is the time to transplant these babies! Even if you aren’t upping the size of pot, removing old soil and bringing in fresh potting soil is so beneficial. Repotting is much easier to do with damp soil, so I like to give my plants some water about an hour or so before I get to transplanting. Also, gravity is your friend, make use of it by tipping your plant upside down as you gently remove it from the vessel. While performing this first task, be mindful of inspecting for any unwanted pests. With houseplants it is always vital to keep an eye out and treat for gnats, mites, or bugs to prevent infestation.
Lambert's potting mix $4.99 | 9" matte black pot w saucer $49.99
It is true that a bigger pot will give your plant more room to grow. That being said, you don’t want to shock your plant, so I wouldn’t recommend going more than a couple inches bigger at a time. When transplanting, I like to loosen the soil around the roots to help them along. With fresh soil and your houseplant happy in its new pot, we can move along to the next important consideration in this addition of spring plant care…
FERTILIZING!
During late fall and winter, it is not recommended to fertilize indoor plants as this is not when they do their growing. However, all of that changes now. As the days get longer, these plants are ready to soak in all of that sunshine and put it to good use. At this stage in the game, fertilizing is crucial. Whether you choose to fertilize sporadically, or use a diluted fertilizer in each watering, just make sure your plants are getting some nutrition. Personally, I like to use the Enrich powder, I dilute it and use it every time I water, then I don't have to try to remember a fertilizing schedule.
WATERING
Again, this is something that is reduced during the off season. But now, and even more as the sun shines brighter and humidity rises, regular watering is recommended. And remember, all plants are not equal. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule to the plant species rather than the day of the week. Overwatering and root rot are hard to recover from, so housing your plants in a pot that drains is always recommended. Our house is small, so I love it when I find items that are beautiful and functional.
Hammered brass watering can $29.99
These watering cans look gorgeous on a shelf and serve an important purpose. They are perfect for helping me reach into the soil for watering my hanging plants!
Matte black watering can $29.99
POSITIONING
Where you place your plant matters. Throughout the year (unless it’s a fiddle leaf fig) your plants positioning will likely need to be moved to keep it thriving.
10" ficus yellow gem $ 59.99
For example, a south-facing window is advantageous during the short days of winter, as plants can benefit from a few hours of gentle direct sunlight in the morning. However, the same spot can become too bright and intense during the longer days of summer, when the sun is out for more hours but also stronger. While south-facing windows are a blessing in winter, your plants may need the protection of a sheer curtain to filter light in the summer months.
West-facing windows are always flooded with natural light, regardless of season. These windows are the best place for cacti and succulents. North and East facing windows are consistently safe for plants, regardless of the time of year.
Ultimately, the placement of your plants will depend on their individual needs. But as the days grow warmer we no longer have to worry about drafts coming in from windows, so finding a sunny spot near an appropriate window is ideal as the sun will be shining from higher up.
6" cylinder planter w saucer $24.99 | 6" monstera Swiss cheese plant $24.99 | 6" Hoya pubicalyx $14.99 | 7.75" hanging planter bowl $39.99| 10" ficus yellow gem $59.99
While the weather is still cool, performing the important task of caring for our indoor plants will free up our time later for working on our outdoor gardens. I know it’s a bummer that it’s cold outside, but it’s not too early to get our hands in the dirt when it comes to houseplants. Now, excuse me while I boost my moral by revisiting an old science fair project and SING my heart out to my lovely plants! I love to perform a concert! And plants are about the only audience that will tolerate my ‘singing’ (if you want to call it that) 😆
Here's to happy days ahead for our waking houseplants!
