After a long winter, our houseplants could use a little attention before we get busy with the coming outdoor gardening season.

It’s amazing how much dust can accumulate on the leaves of plants. For large leafed plants such as Rubber Trees, Fiddleleaf Figs, Umbrella Trees and some Philodendrons, fill a bucket with a gallon of lukewarm water and a couple of drops of a mild dish detergent such as Ivory (do not use a detergent containing grease cutters) and gently wash off each leaf. Support the leaf in your hand so as not to damage it. On smaller plants such as ivies and ferns, wash them in the sink using the sprayer. Houseplants can also be put in the shower and rinsed with lukewarm water; just make sure if you have softened water you water the pot thoroughly after rinsing with unsoftened water to flush any softener salts out of the soil. Fuzzy leafed plants such as African Violets should not be washed or have their leaves sprayed with water; you can gently dust them with a soft brush.

It’s also time to begin thinking about fertilizing. As the days grow longer in late February or early March, begin fertilizing with a general houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength once a month through September. Do not fertilize if the soil is dry. Water first, then wait about an hour and water again with the fertilizer solution. Allow the plant to drain thoroughly and empty any water that may have accumulated in the saucer.

A little time spent now will give your houseplants a boost as we move into the growing season and reward you with a lovely bit of nature for your home.