Plant Care Calendar
Your houseplants need different care as seasons change. This guide covers when to water, fertilize, repot, prune, and adjust your routine throughout the year to keep your plants healthy.
Spring
March - May
Days grow longer and temperatures rise. Plants emerge from winter dormancy and enter their most active growth period of the year.
Resume fertilizing
Begin feeding monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength as new growth appears.
Repot root-bound plants
Spring is the ideal time to repot. Move up one pot size and refresh the soil mix.
Increase watering gradually
As days lengthen and temperatures rise, plants need more water. Check soil more frequently.
Prune leggy growth
Trim back any stretched, leggy stems from winter. This encourages compact, bushy new growth.
Propagate cuttings
Spring is the best time to take cuttings since plants are actively growing and root quickly.
Inspect for pests
Warmer weather can bring pest activity. Check undersides of leaves and stem joints.
Clean leaves
Remove winter dust with a damp cloth to improve photosynthesis as light levels increase.
Summer
June - August
Peak growing season with long, warm days. Plants grow fastest now but also need more water and protection from intense sun.
Water more frequently
Heat and longer days increase water needs. Check soil every 2-3 days for most tropical plants.
Continue monthly fertilizing
Plants are growing actively and benefit from regular feeding throughout summer.
Protect from direct sun
Move plants back from windows if leaves show signs of scorching. Use sheer curtains for filtering.
Monitor humidity
Air conditioning can dry the air. Mist plants, use pebble trays, or run a humidifier.
Watch for pests
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions. Inspect regularly and treat early.
Consider outdoor time
Many houseplants enjoy spending summer outdoors in a shaded spot. Acclimate gradually over a week.
Top-dress soil
If not repotting, add fresh soil to the top of pots to replenish nutrients.
Fall
September - November
Shorter days signal plants to slow their growth. Begin reducing watering and fertilizing as plants transition into their winter rest period.
Reduce watering
As growth slows and temperatures drop, plants need less water. Let soil dry more between waterings.
Stop or reduce fertilizing
Taper off fertilizer by mid-fall. Most plants should not be fed from November through February.
Bring outdoor plants inside
Before nighttime temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C), bring any plants back indoors.
Inspect for hitchhiking pests
Thoroughly check plants returning from outdoors for pests before placing near your other plants.
Clean windows
Maximize the decreasing sunlight by cleaning windows so plants get the most available light.
Reposition plants
Move light-loving plants closer to south- or west-facing windows as the sun angle lowers.
Avoid repotting
Unless urgent, wait until spring to repot. Disturbing roots during dormancy stresses plants.
Winter
December - February
Most houseplants enter dormancy with minimal growth. Focus on maintaining health rather than encouraging new growth. Less water, no fertilizer, and extra humidity are key.
Water sparingly
Drastically reduce watering. Soil dries much slower in cool, low-light conditions. Check before watering.
No fertilizer
Do not feed dormant plants. Fertilizer builds up unused in the soil and can damage roots.
Increase humidity
Indoor heating dries the air significantly. Use humidifiers, pebble trays, or group plants together.
Keep away from drafts
Cold air from windows and doors can damage tropical plants. Move them a few inches away from cold glass.
Avoid repotting or pruning
Let plants rest. Save major interventions for spring when they can recover with active growth.
Supplement with grow lights
Consider LED grow lights for plants that look stressed from short, dark winter days.
Dust leaves monthly
Clean leaves help the plant make the most of limited winter light.