April 20, 2021
Spring Houseplant Maintenance
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” - Silent Spring
The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and signs of Spring are all around us. Just as the trees bud and bloom and color emerges in our outdoor landscapes our indoor houseplants are also waking up from their Winter dormancy. Follow these tips for springtime houseplant maintenance to help your plant babes along in preparation for their growing months.
1. Repot:
We recommend examining the roots of your plants to assess whether they may benefit from having extra room to stretch out and grow heading into their growing season. If the roots are compacted or circling around the top of the pot you will want to either loosen and trim them and place them back in their container with fresh soil or loosen and repot in a container no more than 1-2" larger in diameter than their current pot with fresh soil.
(rootbound dracaena marginata)
(loosening old soil from roots of the plant)
(trimming roots of plant before repotting)
2. Prune + Clean:
Spring is the perfect time to cleanup your plants as they are about to enter into a period of growth and everyone wants to looks their best when they're getting a fresh start and new beginning.
Prune: Using a pair of clean sharp pruning shears trim away any yellowing or brown leaves or any stems that have grown long and leggy without new growth.
Clean: Dust collects on the leaves of your plants and inhibits photosynthesis. The best way to remove any dust that has accumulated is to mist the leaves of your plants and wipe using a clean microfiber cloth. You can then preventatively keep them clean and free from pests by treating with neem oil.
3. Feed:
We always recommend halting the feeding of your houseplants during Winter as fertilizing during their dormancy period can cause root rot or burn. Now that they are waking up they can use the extra nutrients for energy in putting out new growth. We recommend using a liquid organic plant food like our favorite Good Dirt Plant Food.
4. Reassess Light and Water Needs:
Did you move your plants in Winter, away from drafty cold windows or doors, away from heating vents, or maybe closer to windows to receive more light? Consider repositioning your plants as the light coming through your windows will increase in length and intensity as the season continues. As the light intensifies your plants will likely dry out faster than they have been and may require more frequent waterings. We recommend testing moisture levels using a soil probe or the old fashioned way with your finger to gauge your plants changing rhythms and needs and adjusting accordingly.
Spring is a great time to think about your goals for the green in your life. Are there places in your home begging for more plants? Do some investigating on the conditions in that space so your favorite plant shop can help you choose the appropriate ones for you. Are there plants you have that have grown out of control or that are no longer pleasing to you? It may be time to make cuttings, propagate, and gift to friends. Above all remember that growing and caring for plants is a process and that it should bring you joy, peace, and pleasure!