As the seasons change, so do the needs of our plants! Spring is the best time of year for your indoor plants - the start of the growing season - and just like us, they’re looking forward to warmer, longer days.
Follow our guide to caring for indoor plants in spring and see your plants grow happily in real life!
1. Water more frequently
One of the great advantages of spring is the amount of sunlight ! Since plants absorb water based on the amount of light they receive, the increase in daylight hours from winter to spring, coupled with warmer temperatures, can impact how often your plants need water.
To avoid potential waterlogging of your plants during the change of season, Gradually increase the frequency of watering . Check your plants regularly during this adjustment period. If the leaves wilt or curl and the substrate is dry, water more frequently . If the soil remains moist for two days or more, water less . If the plant receives direct sunlight, adding rocks to the soil can help it retain moisture better.
It is important to remember that in spring and summer, The best time to water is early morning or early evening , when temperatures are cooler and water is less likely to evaporate.
2. Regulates sun exposure
It is possible that during the winter your houseplants were placed as close to the window as possible to maximize the light they received. Now that the sun is stronger and the days are longer, consider moving some plants away from the window or look for a way to diffuse the sun's rays to prevent the leaves from burning.
Not sure if your sunlight is too strong? If you look outside from the plant's perspective and see the sun, this is considered direct sunlight. Indirect light is ambient light that the plant receives without being exposed to the sun's rays. Cloudy skies or other obstacles can turn areas of direct sunlight into indirect sunlight.
As with increasing the frequency of watering, Dimming the light should be a gradual process . Some plants may not need to be moved, either because they thrive in direct sunlight or because there are other structures to keep them protected from the sun's rays. Check your plants regularly during this period so that you can make any necessary adjustments.
3. Pay attention to the temperature
Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 15 and 28°C , with their “sweet spot” being around 24°C. Any Extreme changes in temperature or drafts of cold or hot air can cause stress to indoor plants that are accustomed to fairly stable conditions. Keep plants away from open windows and doors, especially at night when temperatures are still cool, as well as from air conditioning units, when they start to turn on.
4. Spring pruning
Give your indoor plants a spring makeover. Pruning away wilted or dull foliage gives your plants back the nutrients they need for healthy growth , and it will also help to eliminate pests and diseases.
5. Repot your plants
As a rule, plants can be repotted every 12 to 24 months. Spring is one of the best times to do this , to provide the plants with new nutrients and more space for the upcoming growing season. Repotting does not necessarily mean placing the plant in a new pot or flower box , unless you need more space, but yes change the soil or substrate so that it provides fresh nutrients and helps the plant thrive.
6. Cleans plant leaves
Another way to care for your plants is to clean the dust off the leaves. Plants have a static charge and act like a dust magnet!
However, These dust particles can build up on your plants’ leaves and block their pores , called stomata. These tiny pores are crucial to many plant functions: they allow oxygen to pass through during respiration, carbon dioxide to pass through during photosynthesis, and water vapor to pass through during transpiration. When they’re clogged with dust, these vital gas exchanges don’t happen as efficiently as they should. Keep your plants healthy by simply wiping their leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dust buildup.
7. Don't forget about fertilization
Fertilize indoor plants It's one of those plant care steps that tends to be forgotten, but can be beneficial to the long-term health of your plants. Fertilizing is not about feeding plants: plants make their own food using light during photosynthesis . Instead, think of fertilizer as a multivitamin. It replenishes essential nutrients that were present in the substrate and used by the growing plant.
Fertilizer should be used sparingly and never on fresh soil. If you decide to take advantage of spring to repot your plants, the new substrate will not require any additional fertilizer!
8. Move plants outdoors
If you want to move your houseplants outside in the warmer months ahead, you can take advantage of this time to prepare them. A good time to move them outside is when the temperature has stabilized around 18ºC , especially at night.
However, outdoor weather can be unpredictable. With increased light and temperature, plants tend to dry out more quickly. Move them to a shaded area and water them early in the morning and evening to prevent dehydration. If it rains for a few days, stop watering and make sure your plants are well-drained. Outdoor pots and planters have drainage holes.
If you follow these tips, your plants will enjoy sustained growth, making the most of the potential of the arrival of spring!
If certainties are still few and doubts are many, talk to us !
