Houseplants bring life, colour, and fresh air into our homes, but keeping them healthy throughout the year requires a little know-how. Each season presents different challenges, from dry winter air to the intense summer sun. With the right care, your indoor plants can thrive all year long. We’re here to help you learn all about the needs of your houseplants throughout the seasons.
Spring: A Season of Growth
Spring is the best time to encourage new growth and prepare your plants for the warmer months ahead. Here are a few maintenance tasks for you to think about:
1. Repot if needed: If your plant has outgrown its container or the soil is depleted, now is the time to repot into fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Take a look at the holes at the bottom of the pot and if you see roots poking through, it’s definitely time to repot.
2. Increase watering: As plants wake up from their winter dormancy, they’ll need more water. Water deeply but ensure proper drainage. Top tip: If you’re worried about watering, sink your plant pot into a large bowl (or bathtub) filled with a few inches of water for 30 minutes. The plant wlll soak up what it needs in that time and then you can remove it and return it to its home.
3. Start fertilising: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser every 2–4 weeks to support new growth.
4. Check for pests: Warmer temperatures mean an increase in pests like spider mites and aphids. Inspect leaves regularly and use natural treatments like neem oil or sticky traps if necessary.
5. Move plants to brighter spots: The increasing sunlight makes it a great time to reposition plants that may have struggled in darker winter months.
Summer: Managing Heat and Growth Spurts
With longer days and higher temperatures, summer brings rapid growth offering a great reward for the care you’ve given it through winter and spring, but also the risk of overheating and dehydration.
1. Water wisely: Check soil moisture more frequently and water early in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
2. Provide humidity: Many houseplants, like ferns and orchids, benefit from extra humidity. Mist leaves, use a pebble tray, or invest in a humidifier.
3. Protect from direct sunlight: Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves. Move sensitive plants away from harsh midday sun, particularly if in a very warm room such as a conservatory. Tropical plants tend to thrive in these conditions though, so let them bask in the sunshine!
4. Prune and propagate: Trim back leggy growth and take cuttings of plants like pothos and spider plants to propagate and make more plants to share with your friends and family.
5. Watch for pests: Increased warmth and humidity can attract pests. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to prevent buildup of dust and insects and ensure they can soak up the sunshine. 
Autumn: Preparing for Dormancy
As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, houseplants begin to slow down. This is the time to help them transition.
1. Reduce watering: Most plants require less water as their growth slows. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Ensure that your plants aren’t sat in a pool of water as this can lead to root rot and eventually death.
2. Stop fertilising: Avoid encouraging new growth that may not be sustainable in lower light conditions. Some plants will still benefit from a reduced feeding cycle of no more than once every 4 weeks.
3. Clean leaves: Dust can accumulate on leaves, blocking sunlight. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth.
4. Check positioning: Move plants closer to windows to make the most of the diminishing daylight.
Winter: Surviving the Cold Months
Winter can be tough on houseplants due to dry indoor air, lower light levels, and colder temperatures.
1. Stop fertilising: Throughout the winter, houseplants just need a little water and light until they start to actively grow again in the spring. If you’re thinking of repotting, it’s best to hold off until next season.
2. Reduce watering further: Plants need much less water in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
3. Boost humidity: Central heating dries out the air, so use a humidifier, mist plants, or place bowls of water near radiators.
4. Keep them warm: Avoid placing plants near cold drafts or directly next to radiators.
5. Maximise light: Shorter days mean less natural light. Move plants closer to windows or use grow lights if needed.
Top Tips for Year-Round Houseplant Care
- Know your plant’s needs: Some plants, like cacti, need dry conditions, while others, like ferns, thrive in humidity.
- Use the right soil: Well-draining soil is essential for most houseplants. Use specific mixes for cacti, orchids, or general houseplants.
- Rotate your plants: Turn pots every few weeks to ensure even growth.
- Dust the leaves: Clean leaves allow for better light absorption and healthier growth.
- Monitor for signs of stress: Yellowing leaves, drooping, or brown tips can indicate watering or light issues.
By following these seasonal care tips, your houseplants will flourish all year round, adding beauty and vitality to your home. Still struggling to care for your plants? Pop in-store and our team of houseplant experts will be happy to offer you advice!