About the author
Elena Vasquez
Indoor Gardening & Lifestyle Editor
Elena writes about apartment-friendly plants, design-forward houseplant trends, and creative projects like kokedama and terrariums. She balances aesthetics with realistic care advice for busy households.
Late winter through early spring is the best window to repot, prune, and start feeding. This checklist walks room by room so you do not miss root-bound plants or pest hotspots. For repotting steps, see our repotting guide; for pests, see common plant pests.
Your Spring Checklist
- Inspect roots: Slide plants out of pots; repot if circling or pushing through holes.
- Prune: Remove dead leaves and leggy stems; sterilize scissors between plants.
- Clean leaves: Dust blocks light; wipe with a damp cloth (not leaf shine on fuzzy leaves).
- Start fertilizer: Half-strength until new growth is obvious, then full rate per label.
- Check pests: Spider mites surge as heating dries air—inspect undersides weekly.
- Adjust watering: Growth resumes; soil dries faster—recheck schedules.
- ID unknown plants: Use ePlant before changing care on mystery plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I start fertilizing?
When you see consistent new leaves or stems, usually March–April in the Northern Hemisphere. Pause again in late fall when growth slows.
Can I move plants outside in spring?
After your last frost date, acclimate them in shade for a week before brighter spots. Sudden sun burns indoor-grown leaves.