Tomorrow is the first day of spring, and we can finally start looking forward to warmer weather and new growth! As you start to notice buds on trees and flowers popping up from the soil outside, take some time to help your own indoor plants grow stronger this season. Most indoor house plants are ready for pruning in late winter, so now’s the perfect time to do it if you haven’t yet.

Prune Plants for Healthy Growth

Pruning helps conserve energy that your plants are sending out to dying or damaged leaves, so that they can focus on new growth instead.

If your plant has leaves that are droopy, yellow, dried out, or otherwise damaged, cut off the affected area with clean scissors or shears (sterilize them first to reduce your plant’s exposure to bacteria and other yucky stuff). If the whole leaf or stem is affected, cut it off at the base but don’t cut the main stem of your plant! Typically, you should cut at a 45 degree angle.

For succulents, remove damaged or dying leaves from the bottom up, and avoid removing the top of the plant. If you give your succulent leaves a gentle pull, damaged or dying ones should come off easily. You can also cut the leaves from the stem with a sterilized knife.

Clean Leaves for a Healthy Shine

Our homemade recipe for leaf cleaner is so easy anyone can put it together in a snap.

You will need:

1. Water

2. A clean cloth

That’s it. Using anything with wax or oils can clog your plant’s pores and make it harder for them to breathe, and using food products like milk can invite unwanted bugs and pests into your plant. A gentle dusting with a microfiber cloth can remove dust, and plain water is all you need to give leaves a healthy shine.

Use Plants in your Spring Cleaning

As you embrace the new season and start the time honored tradition of spring cleaning, spruce up your home with your favorite indoor plants! Get your plants a new pot or stand, or bring home a new plant to add a touch of lush greenery while you wait for the final spring thaw to come.

Plus, more plants means cleaner air, and who doesn’t want that? They’re practically a cleaning supply.

Have a Happy Spring!

Good luck with your spring cleaning, and get outside for some sunshine! You need it as much as your plants do.