Plant care
Spring
February and March mark a decisive turning point in the life of your indoor plants. After months of winter rest, they are about to enter their most active growth phase. This transition period requires precise care to ensure a successful growing season.
Why February-March is the key period
The end of winter marks a deep physiological awakening. Days lengthen by 2.5 hours between early February and late March, light quality improves, and temperatures stabilize as heating is gradually reduced.
Your plants are coming out of their winter dormancy: their metabolism speeds up, photosynthesis intensifies, and nutritional needs increase rapidly.
Anticipating this transition helps avoid deficiencies, stimulates healthy growth, and prevents pest outbreaks.
February-March action schedule
First half of February
Observation and cleaning
- Inspect each plant for pests (scale insects, red spider mites, aphids)
- Dust leaves with a damp cloth — dust reduces photosynthesis by up to 30%
- Remove all dead or yellowed parts
- Clean decorative pots and saucers
- Identify plants that will need repotting
Second half of February
Gradual recovery
- Increase watering by 20-30% compared to winter
- Lightly prune bare stems and dead branches
- Pinch the tips of trailing plants to encourage branching
- Rotate your plants a quarter turn to balance exposure
First half of March
Major interventions
- Repot plants that are root-bound (pot 2-3 cm larger)
- Start fertilizing at a reduced dose (50% concentration)
- Top-dress large plants large plants (replace the top 3-5 cm of soil)
Second half of March
Optimization
- Gradually move plants closer to windows (20-30 cm per week)
- Increase pest monitoring (inspect twice a week)
- Adjust watering individually according to needs
Mastering watering during the spring transition
Watering is the most delicate action to adjust. Forget rigid schedules: use the finger test method. Insert your index finger 2-3 cm into the substrate. If the soil is dry at this depth, water.
Frequency according to plant types
Tropical plants (Monstera, Philodendron, Calathea)
Substrate slightly moist at all times. Water every 5-7 days in March.
Succulents and cacti
Let dry completely between waterings. Every 15-20 days in March.
Ficus and tough-leaved plants
Let dry out 3-4 cm. Water every 7-10 days.
Flowering plants (orchids, anthuriums)
Substrate slightly drying. Every 7-9 days.
A good watering can with a precise spout makes targeted watering easier without wetting the foliage.
Signs of imbalance
Underwatering: drooping leaves, shrunken substrate, yellowing at the base, slowed growth.
Overwatering: widespread yellowing, soft brown spots, musty smell, surface mold. Check our guide on yellow leaves.
Progressive fertilization
Your plants haven’t been fed for 3-4 months. Their reserves are depleted just when they need it most.
When to start
Wait for the first signs of active growth: new leaves unfolding, swelling buds, stems lengthening. Usually mid-February for vigorous plants (Pothos, Monstera), early March for others.
Gradual protocol
- Weeks 1-2: 25% of the recommended dose, once
- Weeks 3-4: 50% of the dose, once
- From week 5 onwards: Normal dose every 2-3 weeks
Which fertilizer to choose
- Green plants: NPK 10-10-10 balanced
- Flowering plants: NPK 5-10-5 high in phosphorus
- Succulents: NPK 2-7-7 low in nitrogen
- Orchids: NPK 20-20-20 very diluted (25%)
Always water 24 hours before fertilizing to avoid root burn. Never fertilize a sick plant or just after repotting (wait 4-6 weeks).
Strategic pruning
Late winter pruning stimulates new shoots and restores balanced shape.
Professional technique
Use clean pruning shears disinfected with alcohol. Cut just above a node at a 45° angle. This cut promotes sap flow and limits infections.
Which plants to prune
- Pothos and Philodendron: cut bare stems 5-10 cm from the base
- Ficus: remove unbalanced branches (tolerate severe pruning)
- Trailing plants: pinch tips to thicken
- Fast-growing plants: reduce vigorous stems by one third
Cut stems can be propagated in water. Spring is ideal for multiplying your plants. Find all our watering and care tools to take care of your cuttings.
Repotting at the right time
Signs that repotting is needed
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Water drains immediately without being absorbed
- Stagnant growth despite good conditions
- Plant not repotted for more than 2-3 years
Step-by-step technique
- Water 24 hours before to ease removal
- Remove from pot by tapping it
- Untangle peripheral roots, cut off dead parts
- Place 2-3 cm of drainage (clay pebbles) at the bottom of the new pot
- Set the plant at the same height
- Fill with fresh potting soil, pressing down lightly
- Water moderately
Increase diameter by 2-3 cm maximum. A pot that’s too large retains too much moisture.
Which potting soil to choose
- Tropical plants: universal potting soil + 20% perlite
- Succulents: cactus soil or 50/50 potting soil/sand
- Orchids: bark-based substrate
- Ferns: rich potting soil + 30% peat
Gradually optimize light exposure
Day lengthening is the main growth trigger. But beware of sudden transitions.
Acclimation over 3 weeks
- Week 1: move 20-30 cm closer to the window
- Week 2: still 20-30 cm if the plant responds well
- Week 3: optimal final position
Avoid direct midday sun that burns foliage used to shade. If you have shade plants, keep them away from direct rays even in spring.
Manage ambient humidity
Winter heating dries the air (often below 30% humidity). Even in March, the air remains dry.
Effective techniques
- Grouping: create plant clusters for a humid microclimate
- Water trays: clay pebbles + water under the pot (no contact)
- Misting: use non-calcareous water in the morning (avoid fuzzy leaves)
- Humidifier: ideal for large collections
Plants sensitive to dry air: ferns, calatheas, orchids, anthuriums.
Prevent pests and diseases
Growth resumption attracts pests. Inspect weekly.
Common pests
- Red spider mites: fine webs, yellow spots. Solution: shower, humidity, black soap
- Scale insects: white cottony clusters. Solution: alcohol-swabbed cotton swab, black soap
- Aphids: colonies on young shoots. Solution: shower, black soap
Good air circulation, strict hygiene, quarantine new plants (2 weeks).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sudden overwatering: increase gradually over 3-4 weeks
- Excessive fertilization: burns fragile roots
- Late repotting: waiting until April-May slows growth
- Harsh sun exposure: causes irreversible burns
- Repot systematically: only plants that are root-bound need it
To go further
If you want to expand your collection to fully enjoy spring, explore our complete selection of indoor plants or our air-purifying plants that clean the air while beautifying your space.
For beginners, check out our beginner's plant guide or discover our selection of easy-care plants.
