Spring is the most exciting season for houseplants. The season when plants begin to grow and flowers start to bloom.
This is because the increasing temperature and humidity with longer days creates a conducive environment for the plants’ growth.
This means you have to be extra vigilant during the spring, especially for commercial properties. There are many types of indoor plants to take care of. You need to make sure that they always look the best.
In the season of spring, your clients, colleagues and employees should all be greeted with vivacious foliage.
Repot Your Houseplants in a Large Container During Spring
To keep up with a growing houseplant, repotting in a larger container is an absolute must. The plant’s roots grow larger and begin to grow through the drainage holes or become pot bound.
Repotting in spring is important because it gives growing roots enough time to grow into the newly added potting mix.
Pick a large container. It should complement the foliage of the plant. Plants that cannot tolerate moist soil, like succulents should be planted in materials like terracotta or ceramic as they are breathable. Hence, the soil will dry faster.
Water the plant and leave it alone for an hour in the old container. Different pots need different preparation time before you can repot a plant into them. A new plastic container does not demand any prep work. However, a clay container has to be soaked overnight.
To remove the plant from the old container carefully handle the roots in a way that they are not densely matted. Empty some potting mix into the new container around the rootball and repot. There should be enough room in the top of the container for water and additional plant development.
Give Them Some Outdoor Time
Yes, we know that houseplants are the best plants for home, meaning indoors. However, a plant’s natural habitat is the outdoors, in the wild. Taking them outside once in a while, especially in spring can really enhance their growth and bring new color to the foliage.
Your houseplants outside will get rainwater. Rainwater is actually better for plants than tap water because of the nitrogen.
The fresh air is another huge plus, especially for tropical plants. Outdoors, the humidity and air circulation will provide everything your tropical plants require to thrive. The plants will be sturdier and stronger as a result of the air circulation and breeze. A much needed change from air-conditioned rooms.
In commercial properties, especially offices, it can be hard to move all indoor plants outside at once. We recommend that you do it in batches. Outdoor seating areas, balconies, and terrace are good alternatives to an established garden.
Change the Watering Schedule
Most houseplants prefer being dry rather than wet. However, to survive they can’t be too dry.
As spring comes, days get longer and the sun gets harsher. Hence, the soil dries out quicker.
You have to water the plants more often. If you water the plant once every week in winters, twice a week in spring should be good. To ensure that you aren’t overwatering, keep checking the soil.
You can put your finger into the potting mix to check. If the soil feels dry, you need to water. For smaller houseplants, you can lift up the container to see how heavy it feels. If it feels light, go get your watering can.
You can also pick out stylish watering cans that do the job effectively and efficiently. Place them on a rack behind your plants, and these gorgeous pieces can actually look like decor items.
Dust the Leaves
Spring cleaning is a must. Extend that sentiment to your plants too.
We strongly discourage any leaf-shining products. Such products can clog the leaves’ stomata with oil or wax. This can even result in your plant dying.
A damp cloth is our go-to. Wet your cloth, wringing out any excess water. Gently hold the leaf with one hand and wipe down away from the stem with the other hand. Do not leave the underside of the leaves as that’s usually where the pests are.
For plants that have delicate leaves, such as ferns, orchids and palms, showers are a great option. Use lukewarm water and place the plants at different angles so that the water reaches the undersides of the leaves.
Fertilize Your Plants
Spring mornings are romanticized across the world and deservedly so. New leaves form on plants, new flowers come into bloom. It’s the season of awakening from winter.
And we all know what we need after a long winter—comfort food! So, do even your best indoor plants. A post-winter snack is very important.
Every other watering, give your plants a 50 percent solution of a water-soluble fertilizer. As spring approaches, this is a gentle method to feed your plants. Many houseplant specialists advise using a 50 percent solution for plant feeding at all times.
There are also some good natural fertilizers that you can use. Banana peels, eggshells, worm tea, cooking water, coffee grounds, green tea, epsom salt, water from freshwater aquariums, hair, molasses all are nutrient-rich fertilizers.
Prune and Trim
Winters can be harsh on many houseplants. A few yellowing leaves, fallen leaves on the soil are nothing to be afraid of.
All you need to do is a little trimming. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, remove any dead or dying leaves from the plant, cleaning with rubbing alcohol between each snip.
This also encourages branching and fresh growth. You can also pinch out any scraggly-looking branch tips and remove any dead flower spikes down to the houseplant's base.
An interior plant service can be extremely helpful during spring. They can help take care of the plants’ spring needs and keep them alive and healthy.
In terms of relocation of plants due to summer, they can also advise about interior landscape design so your plants receive the sunlight they need but the aesthetic appeal of your property is maintained.
Google ‘office plant service near me’ and look for someone trust-worthy who can help you through this journey.
