Top tips on caring for your plants this Spring

Each season that passes by requires subtle changes in the way we care for our indoor gardens. Want to know what to look for as the warmer weather approaches? Our plant guru Claire Greenhill shares her top tips for looking after your indoor plants this Spring. 

1. Shake up your watering routine

Your plants will be more thirsty as the weather heats up. Give them a nice big drink when the soil is dry.

To check it's time, put your finger into the pot down to the second knuckle, if it's dry give it a water and if it is still wet leave it be.

You may need to water once or even twice a week even depending on the plant species. Generally, plants in bigger pots need to be watered less and ones in smaller more often as there is less soil mass. 

2. Watch for sneaky light changes

As the weather changes so will the position of the sun. Watch the movent of the sun during the day in your home. You may need to move some of your plant family to accommodate these seasonal changes.

They may need to move closer to the window, or more likely move away as not to burn the leaves.  

3. Show them some love

As the weather warms up your plants may have a growth spurt, and it is a good time to give them some liquid feed to support this.

I use Power Feed which is a fish-based fertilizer and recently I have been testing the Plant Runner liquid fertiliser with great results (both in store).

While the directions on these products suggest feeding fortnightly and monthly, I have found four times a year sufficient. When it warms up in Spring, the middle of summer, Autumn and then just before it cools down.

Always follow the dilution instructions on the bottle! 

4. Watch for bugs

Check your plants leaves front, back and stems for any bugs.

Common bugs like scale and mealybug just love the warm weather. You might find little black spots or fluffy white residue where there was previously none. 

If you find a bug your plant will need to be treated. Try to wash off the offenders with some organic dishwashing liquid and water. If it persists its time for some neem oil and perhaps some more specialist advice.

Treatments are different per species. Note: never use oil on a plant with parallel 'veins'. 

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Claire Greenhill is a landscape architect and keen plantswoman. Claire runs regular plant care workshops at Stackwood. Up next is Plant Doctor on Saturday 28th of September. 

This class is designed to help you spot and remedy common problems, plus you can send a photograph of your ailing plants and we'll address your issue on the big screen during the workshop! ⁠Tickets are only $10 + you get 10% off plants on the day. 

Photos by Rae Fallon