Any time is a good time for decluttering, but that’s especially true in the spring. It’s a time of new beginnings and new growth, but before we can let that happen. We need to clear away any clutter, obstacles, and things that no longer serve our plants or ourselves. Here are some useful tips for decluttering your houseplants and supplies and preparing for the spring!
What is the Origin of Spring Cleaning?
In the olden days, when homes were heated by wood-burning fires, spring was the time for clearing away all of the soot and dust that accumulated over the winter. Even though our heating systems have changed, winter can still bring an accumulation of dust and stuffiness from our winter hibernation, as well as mental clutter, unnecessary fears, and worn-out thoughts. Hence, the tradition of spring cleaning remains as important and renewing today as ever.
What Should I Do to Prepare for Spring?
When it comes to houseplant preparations, early spring is a time to assess your collection, investigate your plants’ health, check for problems, clear away anything you don’t need, and begin new projects.
Check Houseplants for Pests
Ideally, you should check your houseplants for pests on a regular basis, but if you haven’t been doing that, now is an excellent time to start! Give all of your houseplants a thorough scan, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and crooks of branches where pests like to hide. Any small insects, unsightly bumps, scarring, cotton-like fluff, or webbing are tips that pests are present. If you find any of these signs, take a closer look, diagnose the pest, and remove it as needed. Remember to always quarantine your plant away from your others if it has become infested with any pests.
Repot Plants
Are any of your houseplants rootbound, getting too top-heavy, or seemingly drinking water too quickly? They could be too big for their current pot and need repotting. If this is the case, spring is the perfect time to handle this task. Giving them a new pot now prepares them for a new season of growth. With the energy of spring, they’ll be able to adjust and fill into the bigger pot with ease.
Trim Back Plants
Do any of your houseplants have dead, yellow, or brown leaves? Perhaps you weren’t watering them correctly during the winter, or maybe they lacked sunlight. If your plant is showing these signs, it’s best to remove dead leaves promptly and treat any pests as needed. If it’s just dead leaves, it’s still good to remove them now, so they’ll be clutter-free for new, healthy growth in the spring.
Replace Plants’ Soil
Even if plants do not need repotting, they still benefit from fresh soil once every 12-18 months. Any unusually gray, worn-out, and quickly-drying soil should tip you off that the organic content is depleted and fresh soil is necessary.
Dust Your Plants
Without rain from the sky, houseplants get dusty, which prevents them from absorbing the full rays of the sun. Ideally, you should pretend to be the rain and dust them with a damp, room-temperature cloth every one or two weeks. However, it’s easy to let this simple task fall by the wayside, especially if you have a lot of plants to take care of. Don’t worry—in preparation for the spring, give them a thorough wipe down now, and make a mental note to make plant dusting part of your weekly chores!
Assess Your Plants
How are your plants doing? Do they have the right amount of sunlight? Are they getting the right frequency of water? If they’re green, vibrant, and healthy-looking, chances are you’re giving them what they need. If they’re pale, have brown tips, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth, you may need to assess your routine, research their needs, and adjust their sunlight, water, or humidity as needed. Any preparations you do now give them a fresh start to thrive this spring and summer.
Consider New Projects
Maybe your houseplants are all doing fine, but you have too many, not enough, or want to try some new growing projects. In this case, it’s good to assess your own needs and desires and see how you can grow as a houseplant parent this spring. Give away any houseplants, pots, or supplies that you no longer want or need, and prepare to start your new projects. Whether that’s buying new houseplants, creating macrame holders, starting a kitchen herb garden, making a succulent planter, building a houseplant shelf, or whatever it may be!
For help with any of your houseplant projects, or more spring preparation tips, visit us as Plant Perfect in Bismarck, ND!