Seasons represent change, the passage of time; there’s no denying temperature and light influence our bodies and mind. How one experiences the seasons is an individualized experience. I, for one, dread winter. I love spring and fall and shuffle between love and hate in summer.
Plants respond to seasons. Light and temperature bring growth, flower, and death.
Spring
Spring guides us into summer. Temperatures in spring can swing dramatically. If you take your indoor plants outdoors for warmer months, be sure to harden them off. And definitely keep an eye on the nighttime temperatures. It’s not uncommon for daytime temperatures go above 70, then drop into the 50's at night.
Spring is a good time to start a fertilizer regiment. It is also a good time to leach any accumulated salts from your pot and give your plants a good wash in the shower. Look out for pests such as aphids — they look like white spots.
If your plants are ready for a new pot or fresh soil, do this now. If your spring is warm, check your plants for water every 2–3 days.
Summer
Summer can be hot and humid — perfect for tropicals! Check plants that are indoors for water ever 2–3 days. If you take your plants outdoors, check for water every day. The hotter it gets, the faster your plants will dry out. Expect plants in clay pots to dry out even faster.
Most plant pests love summer. If you keep your plants on the dryer side, look out for spider mites. If you keep your plants on the wetter side, look out for white fly and fungus gnats. Mealy bugs (aka aephids) have no preference, but tend to live on plants that are watered more regularly.
Prune out any dead or dying foliage to help with air circulation. Good air circulation reduces fungal issues. If your plant flowers and you are not saving seed, be sure to dead head.
Fall
Like spring, take note of night time temperatures in fall. As soon as temperatures drop below 60 degrees, bring plants inside.
If your plants put on a lot of new growth, divide or repot them.
Dividing a plant is the act of taking one plant, breaking up the root ball, and making more plants. The size of the plant determines how many plants you will get.
Do take this time to prune any unwanted growth. You can always repot next spring.
Stop fertilizing and reduce water. Depending on indoor temperatures, check plant for water every 3–4 days.
This is also a good time to leach any accumulated salts from your pot and give your plants a good wash in the shower. Wash off any pests or dust particles that may have snuck their way indoors.
Finally, give your plants wind. If they don’t get it from outside, use an oscillating fan.
Winter
Not my favorite time of the year, but definitely a good time to research plants and plan for next year. Reduce watering — checking every 3–5 days should be sufficient.
There is no need to fertilize in winter.
What plants need most in winter is humidity. Misting foliage with a spray bottle or placing pebbles in a saucer with a small amount of water can help with this.
Common pests in winter are spider mites and mealy bugs (aka aephids). If you have pests, wash them off. Be sure to rotate your plants every few weeks for even growth. Please be aware: if you leave your indoor plant outdoors for winter, they will most certainly perish.
