make life beautiful
Spring House Plant Care
make life beautiful
Spring House Plant Care
spring is here
Spring House Plant Care
Spring is here. The days are getting longer and there is more natural light for your plants to enjoy throughout the day. Their needs are also changing with the seasons. Here are few tips to keep your plants healthy and happy this Spring.
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Water
With more sun available and rising temperatures, your plants are using more energy and in turn, will need water more often. Monitor the soil moisture daily while the season changes so you aren’t under or overwatering while your plants adjust to more natural light.
A water meter is a great tool to gauge when your plants are ready for a drink. It can tell you how much moisture is in your soil a few inches down. If you don’t have a water meter, you can use a sharpened #2 pencil. Stick the tip of the pencil into the soil about an inch down. If the sharpened end is darkened (wet), then hold off on watering. You can also use your index finger. Push your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, if the soil is damp, then your plant doesn’t need a drink just yet.
When it is time for a drink, water your plant thoroughly. Water the soil until it pours from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to drain (or stop dripping from the bottom) before returning it to its spot.
Keep in mind each plant’s needs are different and will need water at varying frequencies depending on their location. Ask an English Gardens expert for your plant’s specific needs.
Learn more about watering your house plants here.
Light
Spring days bring more sunshine for your plants to enjoy. Now is a great time to revisit how much sun exposure your plants are getting throughout the day. During the winter months, your plants were probably as close to the window as possible to soak in all the sunshine. As the days get longer, plants that prefer medium to low light will need to move away from windows a bit.
To determine how much light your plants are receiving, look out the window from your plant’s perspective. If you can see the sun directly then your plant will be receiving bright, direct light. Plants like succulents, crotons and anything flowering will love all the extra sunlight. If there are trees or other obstructions blocking your view your plant will be in bright, indirect light.
Low to medium light plants will need to move away from the window by at least 3 feet. Curtain shears are great for protecting those plants with delicate foliage that may burn if exposed to direct light. Ask an English Gardens expert for your plant’s lighting needs.
Learn more about picking the right plant for your home’s lighting conditions here.
Beautify
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. Your plants could benefit from a good cleaning a few times a year
too!
Plants use the pores in their foliage to help in photosynthesis. When they are clogged with dust and debris, your plants may not be as efficient in creating oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. Use a damp cloth to remove dust from the leaves of your plant a few times a year.
Remove any wilted or failing foliage, as well. Pruning back your plants will give them a boost to continue pumping nutrients into the healthy areas of the plant. This also helps them keep their bushy, full shape.
Finish it off with a little Leaf Shine. Leaf Shine not only provides a protective barrier that helps repel dust, insects, disease and bacteria, it also brings back your plant’s natural luster.
Bring Them Outdoors
Everyone needs a vacation, including your plants! As outdoor temperatures warm up, you can start to transition your plants outdoors for the spring and summer. Your plants will thrive with all the natural light.
When overnight temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees you can slowly start to transition your house plants outdoors. Start by placing plants in a shady area for about a week. Over the next week slowly move them into more and more sunlight to allow them to adjust.
Remember to keep your plant’s light needs in mind when moving them outdoors. Keep low-light plants in a heavily shaded area, and even plants that prefer bright light may prefer some shade throughout the day to protect them from harsh sunlight.
Learn more about bringing your plants outdoors here.
Fertilizer
House Plants are waking from their winter dormancy and will start needing more vitamins and nutrients to stay happy and healthy. Now is the time to slowly reintroduce fertilizer to your house plants.
Start slow, if your plant is a heavy feeder start with a half-strength fertilizer and work your way up to full strength by summer. Do not jump right into regular feedings. Ease your plants and aim for a regular feeding schedule by the summer.
If your plant is newly potted, add a small amount of fertilizer to the water when replanting to give your plant an extra boost. This will help it spread its roots and fill out its new space.
Ask an English Gardens expert what fertilizer is best for your plant.
Repotting
Spring is the perfect time to repot your plant. Plants are actively growing and they can use that extra energy to fill out their new, larger, pot.
Select a pot that is one size larger than your current container. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to help prevent overwatering and root rot. Select an indoor potting soil appropriate for your plant, and fill your new container halfway. After removing your plant from its old container, separate the roots gently from each other so they can easily spread out in their new pot. Place your plant in the new container, top with a layer of soil, and give it a good watering.
If your plant is happy in its current container, but you’re ready for a spring refresh you can use a cachepot. A cachepot allows you to drop the grower pot directly inside it, without having to repot your plant. This means you can change your look at any time. Check out a selection of pottery.
Learn more about repotting your house plant here.
How to Succeed with Perennials
Select the right plant for the location to improve growth and reduce maintenance.
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