Your Cart is Empty
It might not feel like it but Spring is right around the corner!
As the days grow longer and the sun shines a little brighter, your plant friends start waking up from their dormancy, ready to grow. A little seasonal maintenance now will help them thrive in the months ahead.
Here are some best practices to help you have a great growing season.
1. Repot
Spring is the best time to repot houseplants that have outgrown their homes. If you notice roots poking out of the drainage holes, soil drying out too quickly, or stunted growth, it’s time for an upgrade. Choose a pot that’s one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one and use fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix to give your plant a boost. Always size up 1-2 pot sizes at a time, this will allow your plant's roots to be fully saturated on watering days.
2. Refresh
Even if your plant doesn’t need a bigger pot, refreshing the top layer of soil can replenish much needed nutrients. If you have a plant that doesn’t need repotting, but that could benefit from fresh soil, this is an easy way to help them flourish. Scoop out the top inch or two and replace it with fresh potting mix. This helps remove any built-up salts from fertilizers and gives your plant access to a fresh supply of organic material. Our personal favorite soil is “Fox Farms”, though any nutrient-rich potting mix will do.
3. Watering Check-In
With more daylight and warmth, your plants may start drinking more water. Check the soil more frequently, but don’t overdo it- always let the top inch dry out (depending on the plant type) before watering again. Make sure to use room-temperature water, as plants prefer it over cold water from the tap.
4. Dust
Houseplants accumulate dust over time, which can block sunlight and slow down photosynthesis (how plants convert energy for fuel). Use a damp cloth to gently wipe down leaves or give them a quick shower to rinse off grime. We love using microfiber towels for this. For fuzzy-leaved plants like African violets, use a soft brush instead of water to avoid burning their leaves.
5. Feed
As plants exit dormancy, they’ll need nutrients to support new growth. Start fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer about once a month. If your plant is a heavy feeder (like monstera or pothos), you can increase feedings to every two weeks. Just remember- less is more! Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good. If you're nervous about ratios, dilute the fertilizer to 1/4 the recommended concentration and apply during regular waterings, instead of once per month. This way you're still providing your plant with nutrients, without shocking it.
6. Prune + Tidy
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. Trim off any yellow or damaged leaves, and prune leggy growth to encourage bushier, healthier plants. Clearing dead or damaged debris can also prevents pests. If your plant has been stretching toward the light all winter, consider rotating it regularly to keep it growing evenly.
7. Fresh Air
If temperatures allow, take your plants outside for a little fresh air and indirect sunlight. Just be mindful of sudden temperature changes- gradually introduce them to the outdoors to prevent shock. If moving plants outside for the season, wait until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. While not necessary, taking your plants outside can have many benefits (just make sure to inspect them so as to not bring pests indoors). If you're able to gently spray them, an outdoor "shower" can do wonders.
Spring plant maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated- small changes make a big difference. Still have questions? Stop by in-person at our location in Portland, OR for hands-on help.
Want to stay posted on all our projects? Follow along on Instagram
Looking for video tutorials? Watch our entire Clay Time series on our Pinterest.