Do you stick to a strict houseplant care schedule all year round? While you might assume that a consistent routine for your houseplants is ideal, it can actually lead to issues! Even though temperatures may remain consistent indoors, our houseplants go through a growth cycle each year that changes with the seasons. Here’s how you should be adjusting your watering schedule through each season to ensure your plants are getting what they need.
Adjusting the Watering Schedule of Your Houseplants
It’s important to remember that different plants have different preferences, so a one-size-fits-all approach to watering doesn’t quite cut it. However, seasonal changes affect most houseplants’ growth speed and water uptake, so you can remember these basic principles and modify your plants’ watering schedules accordingly.
When the sun starts getting brighter and the days get longer, your houseplants know it’s time to start their next big growth spurt. As the days start getting shorter, your plants know that it’s time to ease into dormancy so they can have a period of rest. Here’s how this cycle will influence your houseplants’ needs through all four seasons.
Watering Houseplants in Spring
Spring signals warmer temperatures and brighter days ahead! The longer days wake up your plant from its winter dormancy, and you begin to see faster growth. As your plant perks up again, it will start using more water to help fuel its growth. Pay attention to how quickly the potting soil dries out, and modify your schedule accordingly. Most plants like the top few inches of soil to dry out before rewatering—about every 7–10 days, depending on the size. Some plants, like ferns, want consistently moist soil, so every 5–7 days should be enough. Drought-tolerant plants, like sansevieria, are good for 10–14 days.
You can also start adding fertilizer to your water in spring. A water-soluble fertilizer applied once per month during the active growing season can help boost your plants’ growth! Take care not to mix it too strongly or add too much—this can cause your plant to grow too fast, leading to weak, leggy stems.
Watering Houseplants in Summer
The days are at their longest (and hottest!), and this is when houseplants exhibit rapid growth and lots of moisture absorption. If your plant is in a south or west-facing window that gets tons of hot sun, you may notice the soil dries up much faster than usual. Houseplants that like consistent moisture may need water as frequently as every 3–5 days. However, you can help conserve moisture for longer by applying a layer of decorative aquarium pebbles across the soil surface. Most houseplants will be fine with a drink of water every 5–7 days or whenever those top two inches of soil dry out. Drought-tolerant plants can wait closer to 7–10 days between waterings.
Watering Houseplants in Fall
We’re starting to see a little less sunlight, and while your plants may still be actively growing, they’re preparing to wind down for the winter. Go back to watering your plants on the same schedule you maintained during spring. Stop using fertilizer by September; if you give them fertilizer when they’re trying to get ready for sleepy time, they’ll be exhausted and struggle to keep up during their next spring growth spurt! This is why changing your care schedule with the seasons is so important—it helps set your plants up for success in the following year.
Watering Houseplants in Winter
The lower light levels in winter causes most houseplants to go dormant, so this is when you can expect them to slow down and stop exhibiting much new growth. Some may even drop a few leaves, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unwell or dying. If you frequently water in winter, you risk root rot or fungus gnats, which can seriously damage your plants. Depending on the variety, drought-tolerant plants can go as long as 3–4 weeks without water. Water-loving plants may need around 1–2 weeks between watering, and others will fall somewhere between. Remember to pay attention to the soil’s evaporation rate and modify your schedule accordingly!
If you’re having trouble getting the hang of watering your houseplants, the experts at Bala & Port Carling Garden Centres can offer some pointers! There are plenty of tools and techniques to make plant care easier, and we’re happy to share them.
