April, May and June are the most active months in the houseplant calendar. As day length increases and light levels rise, most tropical plants begin pushing new growth. For many species, it's the fastest-growing period of the year. That means it's also the right time to act on the maintenance tasks you've been putting off since autumn.
Here’s how we handle spring in the nursery, and what we recommend for your own collection.
Resume Feeding
If you followed the standard advice and stopped feeding in autumn, now is the time to start again. Most houseplants should be fed from April through to September. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser at half to full strength, applied every two to three weeks.
Spring is also a good moment to switch to a fertiliser with a slightly higher nitrogen content if you want to push leafy growth. We stock a range of tried and tested houseplant feeds that are perfect for your collection.
Our top tip: Do not feed a plant immediately after repotting. Fresh potting soil contains nutrients already. Wait four to six weeks before introducing a fertiliser routine to a newly repotted plant.
Repot Plants That Have Outgrown Their Containers
Spring is the best time to repot, but not every plant needs it.
Look for the signs. Roots coming through the drainage holes, soil that dries out very quickly, or a plant that seems to have stalled despite decent conditions. If the root ball is tight and compact, it’s probably time.
When you do repot, go up just one pot size. It might feel tempting to give roots loads of space, but too much compost holds onto water for longer than it should. That’s where root rot tends to creep in.
The mix you use matters just as much as the pot size. Most tropical plants prefer something open and free-draining rather than dense compost that stays wet. A chunky, airy mix helps roots breathe and grow properly. Our potting substrates are formulated for UK growing conditions making repotting a breeze.
Move Plants Back Towards the Light
Many houseplants get shifted away from windows over winter to avoid cold spots on window ledges. Now that temperatures have stabilised and day length has increased, move them back to positions with more natural light.
However, plants that have been in a low-light position all winter need a gradual transition rather than an immediate move to full bright light. The leaves adapted to lower light will scorch if exposed suddenly to strong direct sun. Move them incrementally over two to three weeks.
This is also a good time to clean dusty leaves to allow for better light absorption. For large-leafed plants like Ficus, Monstera, and Rhaphidophora, this makes a visible difference to how the plant looks and performs. We use our handy plant dust gloves for easy cleaning.
Start Propagating!
Spring is the optimal propagation window for most houseplants. Warmer temperatures mean faster rooting without the need for supplementary heat, and new cuttings establish quickly once roots form. Most stem cuttings taken now will root within three to six weeks.
Trailing plants like Epipremnum, Tradescantia and Spider Plant pups root exceptionally quickly in spring. Take tip cuttings of 10 to 15 cm, place in water or moist compost, and most will show roots within two to three weeks at room temperature.
Check for Pests Before Growth Starts
A quick inspection routine in April can save you a much bigger problem by May. Focus on leaf undersides, stems, and new growth points.
Keep an eye out for:
- Spider mites: fine webbing and speckled, dull leaves
- Thrips: silvery streaks and tiny black specks
- Mealybugs: white, cotton-like clusters in crevices
- Scale: small, brown, shell-like bumps along stems
If anything looks suspicious, isolate the plant immediately. Pests spread far faster than most people expect, especially in warm, bright conditions.
Early intervention is everything and far easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation later in the season.
Shop all plant care essentials to properly care for your jungle this spring →