February in Australia is that in-between month—summer’s still hanging on, but autumn is just around the corner. Now's the perfect time to give your plants the things they need to set them up for success before we head into the next season. If you're looking for essential houseplant tips for February, take note of these 3!
Stop Using Chemical Fertilisers. Flush Out Summer’s Chemical Build-Up 💦🚿
If you're been feeding your plants with standard fertiliser, you need to switch to a gentle, organic and microbial formula like We the Wild's Grow Concentrate? Before you make the switch, give your soil a deep cleanse before autumn kicks in.
How to do it:
- Take your plant to the sink, shower, or even outside.
- Slowly pour distilled water or rainwater through the soil until it runs clear from the drainage holes.
- Let it drain completely before putting it back in place.
This flush won't just remove harmful chemicals in the soil. It will also get rid of some of those hard water minerals that come from tap water.Your plant will feel refreshed—kind of like a post-summer detox!
2. Rotate Your Plants for Even Growth 🌀🌱
By now, your indoor plants have spent months stretching towards the strongest light source. You might have noticed some wonky looking stems or lopsided, unbalanced growth. Instead of letting them continue to lean, give them a strategic spin.
Try this:
- Rotate your plant 90 degrees every time you water to encourage even growth.
- If one side looks extra leggy, turn that side away from the light for a few weeks to even it out.
- For bushier growth, pinch back leggy stems—this encourages side shoots for a fuller plant.
It’s like strength training for your plant—keeping it balanced, strong, and looking its best!
3. Start ‘Hardening’ Your Indoor Plants for Autumn 🍂❄️
Think your indoor plants are safe from seasonal changes? Think again. As autumn rolls in, days get shorter, temperatures drop, and humidity levels change. If your plants aren’t ready, they could go into shock when cooler air hits.
Get ahead of the transition:
- If you blast the AC, start reducing it slowly so plants adjust to cooler temperatures gradually.
- Start to plan where you'll move your tropical plants (like fiddle leaf figs) away from windows or doors that could bring in cold drafts at night.
- If your plants rely on humid summer air, start introducing a humidifier or misting routine to keep them happy.
Think of it like a slow seasonal training program—by making small adjustments now, your plants won’t struggle when autumn fully arrives.