The earth is thawing here in the northern hemisphere, and with the beginning of the spring season comes the start of a new growing season for my houseplants. The start of a new season is a great time to get your plants prepped for the year! As the days get longer and the nights warmer, your green babies photosynthesize more, meaning that they will grow faster – and have different needs than the winter. Listed below are four products that I use each growing season to keep them healthy and strong!
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Item #1: Neem Oil
Neem oil is a great, all natural product that duals as a pest preventative and cleaner for your plants! Spray some on a rag and use it to wipe down the leaves to rid them of dust and debris, an important step to ensure that your plants are getting enough light to photosynthesize. Pro tip: spray your plants with neem oil OUTSIDE during the warm months (it’s smelly) and not in broad daylight – neem is thought to cause leaf burn if used in the bright hours! And be sure you have a good spray bottle that is dedicated to your neem oil and nothing else. The smell never goes away. Store the oil at room temp, or it’ll harden/stay clumpy forever.
Item #2: Systemic Granules
I apply these at the beginning of each season (roughly every 3 months) to prevent the infestation of just about all houseplant pests. While neem oil is a great topical, the granules are watered into the soil, allowing the solution to enter the root system of the plant to keep bugs at bag. Pro tip: set a reminder on your phone for once every 3 months so you don’t forget.
Item #3: All Natural Fertilizer
I have used this organic liquid fertilizer for 2 years now and love it! When your plants are growing, they need food, and this stuff has worked for every tropical houseplant that I have. And because it’s organic, I don’t have to worry about it burning the leaves if it splashes on a little bit. Pro tip: if you can’t remember when to fertilize, then dilute the solution to about 25% strength and feed every time you water.
Item #4: Rooting Hormone
‘Tis the season to PROPAGATE, and this cheap little powder will do wonders to make your propagations go quicker! Apply a little to each fresh cutting and watch the roots take off. Pro tip: let your cuttings callous over before starting the rooting process – usually takes about a couple hours after cutting it from the mother plant. This helps prevent stem rot!
I hope these items help keep your plants healthy and strong all summer long!
Jenna, Stop Reading! 