Winter is out, spring is officially in. Yes, we’ve thrown away the knitwear and are welcoming an altogether lighter kind of attire. But it’s not just your wardrobe that’s crying out for a new season overhaul. The balmy spring temperatures in NSW and the ACT mean your indoor plants are ready for TLC that’s going to keep them looking and feeling their best.
So, to help, we’ve put together a handy growing guide that tells you everything you need to know about keeping your houseplants in tip top shape during the spring season.
Now’s the time to upsize your pots
Spring is the perfect time to repot your plants using Support Pellets. When plants grow, they pull the nutrients from the soil, depleting it over time. Roots also take up more space in the pot, making your plant a little constricted. Giving your plant a new home not only increases the capacity to hold nutrients, but gives it more room to grow taller, larger and stronger. And the warmer NSW weather is the perfect time!
Check to see if your plants are too snug by looking for:
- the roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot
- the top of the soil is firm or hard
- water runs right through the soil without soaking in
- your plant growth has stunted
Tip: mix Support liberally through your new soil, and add 2 tbsp to the bottom of your planting hole, before plonking the roots on top.
Watch the sun and protect your plants
Whilst plants do need sunlight, be mindful of the stronger UV rays during spring. After the shorter winter days, sudden sunlight can shock and burn sensitive leaves.
So, instead of placing your plant in direct or harsh sunlight, find a nice, bright spot that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight through the window. You can spot signs of sunburn by looking out for white/pale brown marks across your leaves.
Make sure you use oil based sprays like Protect Spray in the morning or evening, as direct sunlight can be magnified by the small droplets.
Freshen up your foliage
Give your leaves a good spring clean. This will keep your plants healthy, disease-free and pest-free. Use a damp cloth to add moisture to the leaves, and spritz with Protect Spray. Your plant will continue to purify the air in your house, and it will add a little extra shine to keep your plant looking extra gorge. As the humidity in NSW climbs, moisture loving pests like Fungus Gnats will increase. Many customers use a product with Neem Oil and beneficial bacteria to deter these little b*****ds.
Up your feeding game
While you can use Grow Concentrate and Support Pellets year-round, your plants are hungrier during Spring. After all, the increased humidity and warmth of spring means they’re ready to grow! Now’s the time to UP your feeding. Use Support in your soil every 6 weeks, and Grow Concentrate, 3 out of 4 times you water throughout the season.
Look out for new leaves
The fresh, new leaves that start to shoot are more fragile than their older brothers and sisters. Make sure they’re protected from direct sun, and don’t use harsh chemicals. Use something safer like the Protect Spray instead.
Slowly acclimatise them to being outside
Many indoor plants are from subtropical regions, like much of NSW. It means they’re going to love a spell outdoors. But at this time of year, avoid abruptly moving them outside, as the fluctuating temperatures and harsh wind throughout NSW in spring can lead to shock. Instead, slowly acclimatize them to living outdoors by shifting them outside for a few hours when the weather is even..
If you’re moving plants to a balcony or terrace for the entire season, start by placing them in a protected, fully shaded location for a few days. Then move them into a spot where they get morning sun. Leave them there for a week or so before moving them to a sunnier spot.
Make sure you check on them every day, and if you notice any brown, white, or transparent leaves, then they are getting too much sun, so you’ll need to move them back into the shade for several more days.
Perfect your pruning
Over the NSW winter, some of your houseplants may have become weak or leggy looking — this is when your plant grows long, spindly shoots to try and reach the light, and these shoots will have fewer leaves because the plant won’t have enough energy to produce them all the way along its stem.
Spring is the best time to trim houseplants to remove any unhealthy branches or leaves, and clean them up. Pruning your plants in spring encourages branching and new growth. Simply cut off any dead or dying leaves and branches at the base with clean pruners or kitchen scissors.