Follow these 7 easy steps and your houseplants will love you
Winter, with its cold temperatures and endless grey skies, is a tough time for plants – even indoor ones – but the arrival of spring offers a great opportunity to show your houseplants some love.
Plants are delicate flowers (literally, in some cases) and different seasons require a change in care routines. With warmer weather on the way, here are seven essential tips to get your houseplants ready for spring.
1. Trim dead leaves
Start by checking your houseplants for any brown or yellow leaves. 'Dead leaves can drain energy from your plant,' explain the horticultural experts at Beards & Daisies. By trimming or pruning them, you allow your plant to focus its energy on producing new growth. When removing the leaves, use clean scissors or pruning shears so as not to cause any damage.
2. Shower your plants
Before you really dive into your spring refresh, it's recommended to give your plants a good clean. Place them in the sink, shower or bathtub and gently rinse the leaves with lukewarm water. Afterwards, pat dry to prevent waterlogging.
Showering your plants removes dust and dirt, which can hinder their ability to soak up enough sunlight and prevent effective photosynthesis, the experts say. Clean leaves allow your plants to absorb the light better.
3. Give them a nice massage
Yes, you read that right. 'Your houseplants love a good massage,' says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. By gently rubbing their leaves, you promote better circulation and flow of oxygen, preventing dust buildup and helping your plant to grow. 'Plus, your plants might just appreciate the attention,' Jo adds.
4. Repot using coffee grounds
The milder weather offers a great opportunity to repot your houseplants – and there's a special kitchen cupboard ingredient that can help: coffee grounds. Reap the benefits by mixing used coffee grounds into new potting soil.
'Coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen, which gives your plants a natural nutrient boost, promoting healthy growth and vibrant green leaves. Just make sure to mix them in well to avoid clumping,' says Jo.
5. Make a humidity tray
Though not nearly as harsh as in winter, the spring air can still be quite dry – particularly if the heating is still on. To make your plants feel comfortable, place them on a humidity tray (a shallow dish) filled with pebbles and water just below the surface of the stones. Simply place your plants on top where the water will eventually evaporate – this increases humidity around them and ultimately keeps them happy.
6. Try new spots
A change of scenery is good – for humans and plants alike. Try out new spots for your plants to soak up the increasing amount of sunlight, but be mindful of different plant needs, and don’t overdo it.
'Remember, the spring sun can be a lot stronger than you think, so some plants may need a little shade until they get used to the change,' says Jo. 'Also, keep in mind that some houseplants don't thrive in direct sunlight. If they start showing signs of leaf burn or stress, try moving them to a spot with indirect light, where they can still soak up the sunshine without getting overwhelmed. This way, you can find the perfect balance for all your plants as they wake up for the season.'
7. Water with ice cubes
Everyone who's ever had a plant die despite frequent, dutiful watering can attest that the procedure involves a little more than a tap and a watering can. To prevent overwatering and drowning your plant, the experts share a simple but effective trick: place an ice cube in the pot. 'The ice melts slowly, giving your plants a steady supply of water without the risk of waterlogging or root rot,' explains Jo. 'It’s like a mini spring spa treatment for your plants.'
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