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Spring Houseplant Care Tips
Houseplant Care Tips to Follow this Spring
Spring is in the air! The warmer temperatures and longer hours of sunlight cause everyone to bloom this time of year – including your houseplants. Your indoor plants follow a similar growth cycle as the plants outdoors: a dormant phase in the colder months, followed by a beautiful revival in the spring.
As your houseplants enter this new growth cycle, you may notice more vibrant colors and new blooms. You may also notice that your plants need a little TLC to help with the transition.
We gathered our tried-and-true Spring Houseplant Care Tips to help keep your plants happy.
Visit us in the shop to stock up on plant food and soil, shop for new pots, and share conversations about the beautiful plants God has created! We’re always happy to help with transplanting, and we even offer a free expert service to help your plants adjust to their new home.
Houseplant Care Tip 1: Repot or Not
Spring is a great time to consider upgrading your plant’s home. Not all plants need to be re-potted, but a larger pot can encourage expanded growth. The shape and size of the new pot you choose should follow the root pattern of your plant. Some root systems prefer more depth while other grow outward. Check for these signs that your indoor plant has outgrown its current pot:
- Roots growing through drainage holes
- Roots that tightly circle the base of the pot
- Water running through drainage holes instead of soaking into the soil
- Slowed growth – while most plants go dormant in the winter, you’ll likely notice this type of slowed growth for a longer period of time.
Houseplant Care Tip 2: Add Water
Houseplants often need less water during their winter resting period. As outdoor temperatures increase, their need for water also increases.
A soil touch test is a good method to determine when to water your plants. If the soil is dry to the touch, then your plant is thirsty. If you are transplanting, take extra care to water and saturate the root ball. Some plants may benefit from soaking in water to ensure that tightly wound root systems benefit from the H2O.
Instead of following a specific watering schedule, look for these signs of too much or too little water to help determine when your indoor plants need a drink.
Signs of Overwatering
- Wilting or mushy leaves
- Muddy appearance to the soil
- Presence of gnats or other moisture-loving pests
- Mold growth on the top layer of the soil
- Falling or dropping leaves
- Yellowing leaves
Signs of Underwatering
- Soil that is dry to the touch or pulling away from the pot
- Leaves with browning or dried edges
- Curling leaves
- Slow growth
- Yellowing leaves
Houseplant Care Tip 3: Feed
Your houseplants need extra food during this active growth cycle.
Start slowly by applying half the recommended amount, following the application frequency recommended on the bag or canister – this can range from weekly to every 2-3 months. Once you notice your plant is actively growing, increase to full strength.
Always follow the recommendations made by the feed you are using. Too much fertilizer can harm your plant. If in doubt, use less.
Keep in mind, freshly potted or transplanted plants may not need feed for the first month or so when the soil is at its most nutrient rich.
Houseplant Care Tip 4: Groom
Take a moment to survey and pamper your plant. Gently wipe dust from leaves with a damp, soft cloth.
Use pruning sheers to cut off dead spots on leaves that may have been caused by too much sun, too much water, or just not enough water.
Add a little style by topping your soil with decorative sand or river rocks – just be sure these embellishments won’t interfere with water absorption.
Houseplant Care Tip 5: Relocate
Spring’s rising temperatures mean more sunlight and longer hours of light exposure. This increased exposure can affect the health of your plants.
Check in on your indoor plants to get a feel for how much light, air, and heat it is getting. Consider relocating your plant if the change in season has changed its living quarters.
For more houseplant care tips, check out our Ultimate Indoor Plant Care Guide. And share your plant pics with us on Facebook and Instagram!
