Have you finished spring cleaning already? Well, you may be relieved getting that task out of the way. But before you totally relax, here’s one more thing you need to remember: spring clean your plants! The process is actually simpler than you’d think - and I say that from my own experience. I thought it would take me a whole weekend to care for my plants, but turns out it only took me an afternoon.
Of course, it also depends on how many plants you have and how big they are. But with the right equipment (that you’ll see right away scrolling down), you’ll still be able to do a quick and thorough job!
“Trees and plants always look like the people they live with, somehow.” - Zora Neale Hurston
Gather Plants and Supplies
To start off, gather all your houseplants and take them outside. Make sure it’s a nice, warm day (though you shouldn’t do the cleaning directly under the sun).
These are a couple of supplies you could use:
- Bottle of soapy water
- Rags and sponge
- Hose or watering can
Trim and Repot
During winter, houseplants grow stronger roots, which is why when spring comes you need to repot them (probably in a new, bigger pot). In addition to that, while you change pots, check if there are any dead leaves and trim them.
Feed Them
When we talk about feeding the plants, we basically mean: fertilize them. You can use timed-release fertilizer, liquid or granules, and also broken-down organic materials.
Wash the Dust Off
First of all, remember to not shower plants that don’t usually get their leaves wet. These can include: begonias, cyclamen, and African violets. And these are the steps you will follow to give your plants a fresh look:
- Spray: Remember that soapy solution we mentioned before? This is the time to use it!
- Wipe: Then use the rag to wipe the larger leaves.
- Rinse: You can either use the spray head attached to your sink faucet or use a garden sprayer. Rinse the plant thoroughly.
- Dry: Allowing the plants to dry naturally is the best way - a shady spot outdoors will do the job. After a couple of hours you can bring them back in.
Get Rid of Bugs
Well, the showering of the plants will already help you with getting rid of bugs. Though you can also use a magnifying glass to check for marks on the undersides of leaves. If just the washing doesn’t solve the problem, you can use a standard houseplant insecticide or find a natural way to get rid of them.
Reposition
I’m sure you did your research when you decided to get some houseplants, but how about refreshing that knowledge? You can now read all about your specific plants and combine that with your experience in caring for them. You’ll find the best temperature and light conditions to keep the plants and they will thrive even healthier and happier.
Have you taken care of your plants already? Make sure to check your house for mold so your plants can live better.
