Spring is on the way, and we can finally start looking forward to warmer weather and new growth! As you start to notice buds on trees and flowers popping up from the soil outside, take some time to help your own indoor plants grow stronger this season.
Pruning helps conserve energy that your plants are sending out to dying or damaged leaves so that they can focus on new growth instead.
If your plant has leaves that are droopy, yellow, dried out, or otherwise damaged, cut off the affected area with clean scissors or shears (sterilize them first to reduce your plant’s exposure to bacteria and other yucky stuff). If the whole leaf or stem is affected, cut it off at the base but don’t cut the main stem of your plant! Typically, you should cut at a 45-degree angle.
For succulents, remove damaged or dying leaves from the bottom up, and avoid removing the top of the plant. Oftentimes, if you give your succulent leaves a gentle pull, the damaged or dying ones should easily come off. If tugging them off isn’t your style, you can also cut the leaves from the stem with a sterilized knife.
As the new growing season approaches, spring is a great time to repot your plants to give them more room to grow. Although all houseplants grow at different rates, they will typically need to be repotted every 1-2 years into a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than their original pot size. Here are some signs to look out for when determining if it’s time to repot your plant babies.
Cleaning your plant’s leaves will not only make them look better, but it will also help your plants photosynthesize! To clean the leaves of your plants, all you will need is water and a clean cloth. That’s it! Using anything with wax or oils can clog your plant’s pores and make it harder for them to breathe. A gentle dusting with a microfiber cloth can remove dust, and plain water is all you need to give leaves a healthy shine.
As springtime brings longer days and warmer temperatures, your plants know that it’s time to start growing again! Because of this, you will notice that your plants will become a bit thirstier than they were during the winter. This means it’s time to establish a watering routine or increase your amount of waterings to give your plants what they need.
Remember: every plant has different watering needs, so it’s important to learn how to read the signs that they are thirsty. Here are a few to look out for!
Each plant has its own water needs, so keep track of their ideal watering schedule using an app or keeping your own personalized list.
As you embrace the new season and start your spring cleaning, spruce up your home with your favorite indoor plants! Get your plants a new pot or stand, rearrange your plant display, or bring home a new plant, like a blooming Easter Lily found in HEB stores this week, to add a fresh touch of lush greenery while you wait for the final spring thaw to come.
Good luck with your spring cleaning, and get outside for some sunshine! You need it as much as your plants do.