Spring Cleaning for Indoor Plants: Essential Care Tips

House plant with wrinkled leaves.
House plant with wrinkled leaves.
Spring is a great time to give your indoor plants the refresh they need. Photo: Adobe Stock

Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your indoor plants. Whether you have greenery in an office, hotel, lobby, or home, giving your plants a little extra care this season will help them thrive. Here’s how to give your indoor plants a fresh start with a simple spring-cleaning routine. 

1. Dust and Clean Leaves

Over time, dust can accumulate on plant leaves, blocking sunlight and reducing their ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or give them a quick spray down with water. For fuzzy-leaved plants like African violets, use a soft bristled- brush or microfiber cloth instead of water. 

2. Check for Pests 

Spring is a time of growth, but it’s also when pests become more active. Inspect leaves (both top and bottom) and stems for signs of pests like spider mites, aphids, or Mealy bugs. If you spot any, you can treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or wipe with a dilution of mild dish soap and rubbing alcohol. Removing pests is the best way to prevent them from taking over.

3. Refresh the Soil 

Indoor plants can deplete their soil’s nutrients over time. Consider repotting plants that have outgrown their containers or refresh the top layer of soil with fresh potting mix. This provides essential nutrients and improves drainage. 

Person repotting a plant.
Adding new potting mix can help provide much needed nutrients for your plants to thrive. Photo: irissca

4. Trim and Prune 

Remove dead or yellowing leaves and trim any leggy or overgrown stems. Pruning encourages new, healthy growth and helps maintain your plant’s shape. For flowering plants, removing old blooms encourages new and continuous growth.

5. Adjust Watering and Feeding

As daylight hours increase, indoor plants often need more water and nutrients. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly, making sure not to overwater. Spring is also a great time to start fertilizing again after the slower winter months—use a balanced fertilizer suited for your plant type.  And don’t use too much!

6. Rethink Placement 

Longer, brighter days mean some plants may need to be moved to avoid too much direct sun, while others might benefit from a sunnier spot. Observe how the light changes in your space and adjust plant placement as needed.

Plant directly in sunlight.
Make sure your indoor plant is getting the light it needs. Photo: Adobe Stock

7. Clean Pots and Planters 

Dust and mineral buildup can collect on pots and planters. Wipe down decorative pots and scrub any mineral deposits off terracotta or ceramic containers with a mix of water and distilled white vinegar. 

8. Support New Growth

As your plants start to grow more actively, consider adding stakes or supports to taller plants that may need extra stability. Climbing plants like pothos or monstera may benefit from moss poles or trellises. 

Give Your Indoor Plants a Fresh Start 

A little spring cleaning goes a long way in keeping your indoor plants healthy and vibrant. By following these simple care steps, you’ll set them up for a season of strong growth and lush greenery. Whether in a home, office, or commercial location, well-maintained plants create a refreshing and inviting environment.  

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