Seasonal Care Adjustments

🎯 What You'll Learn

• Spring care - Growth season begins (March-May)
• Summer care - Peak growth period (June-August)
• Fall care - Transition time (September-November)
• Winter care - Rest period (December-February)
• PlantKeeper adjustments - Update app for each season

⚡ Quick Start

Seasonal Summary:

• Spring 🌱: Increase water +20%, resume fertilizing
• Summer ☀️: Max watering, bi-weekly fertilizing
• Fall 🍂: Reduce water -20%, taper fertilizing
• Winter ❄️: Min watering, stop fertilizing

📚 Complete Guide

Spring (March-May)

Growth Season Begins 🌱

What's Happening

Plant Biology:

• Days getting longer (more light)
• Temperatures warming
• Plants ending dormancy
• Energy stored for growth
• Root activity increasing

Your Plants:

• New growth appearing
• Leaves unfurling faster
• Color becoming vibrant
• Growth spurts starting

Spring Care Adjustments

Watering: Increase 20-30%

Why: Active growth needs more water.

In PlantKeeper:

• Review all watering reminders
• Reduce intervals:
  • Every 10 days → Every 7 days
  • Every 7 days → Every 5 days
  • Every 14 days → Every 10 days

Bulk Edit:

1. My Plants → Select all
2. Bulk Actions → Edit Reminders
3. Adjust watering frequencies
4. Save

Monitor Soil: Check if adjustments needed after 2 weeks.

Fertilizing: Resume Monthly

Why: Plants need nutrients for growth.

In PlantKeeper:

• Enable fertilizing reminders (if paused in winter)
• Set monthly schedule (every 30 days)
• First fertilization: Early-to-mid March

Fertilizer Type:

• Balanced NPK (10-10-10 or 20-20-20)
• Dilute to half strength initially
• Full strength after 2 applications

Add to Diary: "Spring fertilizing schedule resumed"

Growth Tracking: Bi-Weekly

Why: Rapid growth period, frequent measurements valuable.

In PlantKeeper:

• Set measurement reminders every 2 weeks
• Baseline measurements early March
• Track spurts throughout season

What to Measure:

• Height (expect 20-50% increase by June)
• Leaf count (new leaves weekly)
• Spread/width (for bushy plants)

Repotting: Best Time!

Why: Active growth = better root establishment.

In PlantKeeper:

• Check plants due for repotting (every 1-2 years)
• Create reminders for specific plants
• Document repotting in diary

How to Know:

• Roots coming out drainage holes
• Water runs straight through (root-bound)
• Growth has slowed despite care
• 1-2 years since last repotting

Pruning: Shape and Clean

Why: Remove winter damage, encourage bushiness.

What to Prune:

• Dead/dying leaves from winter
• Leggy growth (stretched due to low winter light)
• Damaged stems
• Shape for aesthetic

In PlantKeeper:

• Log pruning in diary with photos
• Note what was removed
• Track how plant responds

Spring Checklist

Early Spring (March):

• [ ] Increase watering frequencies (+20%)
• [ ] Resume fertilizing reminders (monthly)
• [ ] Take baseline growth measurements
• [ ] Clean leaves (dust from winter)
• [ ] Identify plants needing repotting

Mid Spring (April):

• [ ] First fertilization of season
• [ ] Repot plants showing signs
• [ ] Prune leggy/damaged growth
• [ ] Move plants to brighter spots (if needed)
• [ ] Set bi-weekly measurement reminders

Late Spring (May):

• [ ] Second fertilization
• [ ] Monitor growth spurts (exciting!)
• [ ] Check if more frequent watering needed
• [ ] Take progress photos (compare to March)

Summer (June-August)

Peak Growth Season ☀️

What's Happening

Plant Biology:

• Maximum daylight hours
• Highest temperatures
• Photosynthesis at peak
• Fastest growth period
• Highest water consumption

Your Plants:

• New leaves weekly (or even daily!)
• Vibrant, deep green color
• Flowers may appear
• Maximum size increase

Summer Care Adjustments

Watering: Maximum Frequency

Why: Heat + growth = high water needs.

In PlantKeeper:

• Most frequent watering of year
• Reduce intervals another 20%:
  • Every 7 days → Every 5 days
  • Every 5 days → Every 3 days
  • Succulents: Every 10 days (still conservative)

Check Soil More Often:

• Heat causes faster drying
• Soil may dry within 2-3 days
• Water when top 1-2 inches dry

Outdoor Plants: May need daily watering in heat waves!

Fertilizing: Every 2 Weeks (Heavy Feeders)

Why: Rapid growth depletes nutrients quickly.

In PlantKeeper:

• Heavy feeders (Monstera, Pothos, Philodendron): Every 14 days
• Moderate feeders: Monthly (continue spring schedule)
• Light feeders (Succulents, Cacti): Every 6-8 weeks

Fertilizer Strength:

• Full strength (follow package directions)
• Always water before fertilizing (prevent root burn)

Heat Stress Monitoring

Why: Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can stress plants.

Watch For:

• 🚨 Wilting (despite moist soil)
• 🚨 Leaf edges browning
• 🚨 Drooping during hottest part of day
• 🚨 Flowers dropping prematurely

In PlantKeeper:

• Add "Heat stress check" reminder (weekly)
• Log observations in diary
• Note temperature when issues occur

Solutions:

• Move away from hot windows
• Increase humidity (misting, pebble trays)
• Provide shade during peak sun (2-4 PM)
• Ensure good air circulation

Pest Vigilance: Weekly Checks

Why: Peak pest season (warmth + humidity = pest paradise).

In PlantKeeper:

• Set weekly pest inspection reminder
• Check undersides of leaves
• Look for webbing, sticky residue, tiny bugs

Common Summer Pests:

• Spider mites (hot, dry conditions)
• Aphids (new growth)
• Fungus gnats (moist soil)
• Scale insects

Log in Diary: Any pests found, treatment applied.

Summer Checklist

Early Summer (June):

• [ ] Increase watering frequencies (maximum)
• [ ] Bi-weekly fertilizing (heavy feeders)
• [ ] Set weekly pest check reminders
• [ ] Move heat-sensitive plants from hot windows
• [ ] Set up humidity boosters if needed

Mid Summer (July):

• [ ] Monitor for heat stress
• [ ] Continue aggressive watering/fertilizing
• [ ] Take progress photos (growth explosion!)
• [ ] Check soil moisture daily (high heat periods)
• [ ] Record growth measurements

Late Summer (August):

• [ ] Last heavy fertilization
• [ ] Prepare for fall transition (start reducing by late August)
• [ ] Propagate plants (cuttings root fast in summer!)
• [ ] Review summer growth (compare to spring baseline)

Fall (September-November)

Transition Season 🍂

What's Happening

Plant Biology:

• Days shortening (less light)
• Temperatures cooling
• Growth slowing
• Energy conservation beginning
• Preparing for dormancy

Your Plants:

• Growth rate decreasing
• New leaves less frequent
• Some older leaves may yellow (normal)
• Water needs reducing

Fall Care Adjustments

Watering: Reduce 20-30%

Why: Less growth = less water needed.

In PlantKeeper:

• Increase intervals back to spring levels:
  • Every 3 days → Every 5 days
  • Every 5 days → Every 7 days
  • Every 7 days → Every 10 days

Timing: Start mid-September, complete by early October.

Monitor: Soil stays moist longer now.

Fertilizing: Taper Off

Why: Reduced growth needs fewer nutrients.

In PlantKeeper:

• September: Continue monthly (last full month)
• October: Half strength only
• November: Stop most plants

Exceptions:

• Tropical houseplants with grow lights: Continue monthly
• Actively flowering plants: Diluted fertilizer

Add to Diary: "Fall fertilizing schedule - tapering off"

Bring Plants Indoors

Why: Outdoor plants need protection before frost.

Timing:

• Early Fall (September): Tropical plants (before nights drop below 50°F/10°C)
• Mid Fall (October): Most houseplants summering outdoors
• Late Fall (November): Hardy plants only remaining outside

In PlantKeeper:

• Update locations as plants move
• "Moved indoors for fall" in diary
• Photos of outdoor placement (reference for next spring)

Acclimation:

• Gradual transition (a few hours indoors, then overnight, then full-time)
• Inspect for pests before bringing in (shower plants)
• Quarantine new/outdoor plants for 2 weeks

Prepare for Dormancy

Why: Many plants enter rest period.

Expectations:

• Slower growth (or none)
• Some leaf drop (deciduous plants)
• No new growth (some species)
• This is normal!

In PlantKeeper:

• Add notes: "Entering dormancy period"
• Don't be alarmed by lack of growth
• Reduce fertilizing expectations

Fall Checklist

Early Fall (September):

• [ ] Reduce watering frequencies (-20%)
• [ ] Final full-strength fertilization
• [ ] Bring tropical plants indoors (if outside)
• [ ] Inspect for pests before moving indoors
• [ ] Take end-of-summer progress photos

Mid Fall (October):

• [ ] Continue reducing watering
• [ ] Half-strength fertilizer only (if at all)
• [ ] Move remaining outdoor plants inside
• [ ] Update locations in PlantKeeper
• [ ] Clean leaves (remove dust before indoor season)

Late Fall (November):

• [ ] Stop fertilizing most plants
• [ ] Lowest watering frequencies (pre-winter)
• [ ] Set up humidifiers (indoor heating dries air)
• [ ] Review year's growth (compare to spring)
• [ ] Plan winter care strategy

Winter (December-February)

Rest Period ❄️

What's Happening

Plant Biology:

• Shortest daylight hours
• Dormancy (many species)
• Minimal to no growth
• Energy conservation mode
• Root activity minimal

Your Plants:

• No new growth (most plants)
• Some leaf drop (normal)
• Paler color (less chlorophyll)
• Survival mode, not thriving mode

Winter Care Adjustments

Watering: Minimum Frequency

Why: Dormant plants need little water.

In PlantKeeper:

• Longest intervals of year:
  • Every 7 days → Every 10-14 days
  • Every 10 days → Every 14-21 days
  • Succulents: Every 21-30 days (very slow drying)

Check Soil First:

• Soil stays moist much longer
• Overwatering in winter = root rot (common killer!)
• Better slightly dry than too wet

Temperature Matters:

• Cooler room = water less often
• Heated room (dry air) = water slightly more often

Fertilizing: Stop (Almost All Plants)

Why: Dormant plants can't use nutrients.

In PlantKeeper:

• Pause all fertilizing reminders
• Resume in March (spring)

Rare Exceptions:

• Actively flowering plants (orchids, African violets)
• Plants under grow lights (still growing)
• Diluted fertilizer only (1/4 strength)

Humidity: Critical!

Why: Indoor heating = very dry air (plant stress).

In PlantKeeper:

• Add "Misting" reminder (daily for tropicals)
• Or "Check humidifier" reminder (fill reservoir)

Solutions:

• Electric humidifier (best, easiest)
• Pebble trays under pots
• Daily misting (morning, so leaves dry by night)
• Group plants together (create microclimate)

Target Humidity: 40-60% for tropicals.

Light: Supplement if Needed

Why: Short winter days = low light.

Signs of Insufficient Light:

• Leggy growth (stretching toward window)
• Pale/yellow leaves
• Leaf drop
• No new growth (more than expected)

Solutions:

• Move closer to windows
• Add grow lights (12-14 hours/day)
• Clean windows (maximize natural light)
• Rotate plants weekly (even light exposure)

In PlantKeeper: Note light adjustments in diary.

Temperature: Watch for Drafts

Why: Cold drafts harm tropical plants.

Danger Zones:

• ❌ Near exterior doors (cold drafts when opening)
• ❌ Single-pane windows (cold at night)
• ❌ Unheated rooms (too cold)
• ❌ Above heat vents (dry, hot blasts)

Safe Zones:

• ✅ Interior rooms (stable temperature)
• ✅ Away from drafts
• ✅ Consistent 60-75°F (15-24°C)

In PlantKeeper: Update locations if moving for winter.

Winter Checklist

Early Winter (December):

• [ ] Lowest watering frequencies of year
• [ ] All fertilizing paused (except rare exceptions)
• [ ] Set up humidifiers (combat dry air)
• [ ] Check for cold drafts (move plants if needed)
• [ ] Accept dormancy (no growth is normal!)

Mid Winter (January):

• [ ] Continue minimal care
• [ ] Monitor humidity levels (humidifier working?)
• [ ] Check for pests (warm indoors = spider mites)
• [ ] Resist urge to fertilize/overwater
• [ ] Dream about spring garden center trips 🌱

Late Winter (February):

• [ ] Watch for first signs of spring (new growth starting!)
• [ ] Prepare for spring transition (supplies ready?)
• [ ] Review winter survival (which plants thrived?)
• [ ] Plan spring repotting list
• [ ] Get ready to increase care (March coming!)

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use Diary to Remember

Document Each Transition:

• "Fall 2024: Reduced watering to every 10 days, worked well"
• "Winter 2024: Monstera dropped 3 leaves (normal dormancy)"
• "Spring 2025: New growth appeared March 15"

Next Year: Reference your notes, remember what worked!

Southern Hemisphere: Flip Seasons

If You're in Southern Hemisphere:

• Spring = September-November
• Summer = December-February
• Fall = March-May
• Winter = June-August

PlantKeeper Tip: Add "[Season] care started" in diary each transition.

Equatorial Regions: Different Rules

Near Equator:

• No true seasons (consistent year-round)
• Wet season vs dry season instead
• Adjust for rainfall, not temperature

Dry Season: Increase watering Wet Season: Reduce watering (high humidity)

Microclimate Matters

Indoor Environment Varies:

• Heated home (winter): Very dry, water slightly more
• Unheated room (winter): Cooler, water less
• Grow lights: Year-round growing, don't stop fertilizing
• Greenhouse: Controlled environment, less seasonal variation

Adjust Based on YOUR Conditions: Not generic calendar.

❓ Common Questions

Q: My plant is still growing in winter. Is that bad?

A: Not bad! Some possibilities:

Normal Winter Growth:

• Some species don't go fully dormant
• Bright window (lots of light)
• Grow lights providing energy
• Tropical origin (used to year-round growth)

Continue Care: If actively growing, water/fertilize as needed (not according to season).

Q: When exactly should I transition care?

A: Watch plants, not calendar:

Spring Transition Signs:

• New growth appearing
• Soil drying faster
• Brighter, more vibrant color

Fall Transition Signs:

• Growth slowing
• Soil staying moist longer
• Some leaf yellowing

Start Transition: When you see these signs (calendar is guideline only).

Q: Can I just keep same care year-round?

A: Not recommended:

Problems with Static Care:

• Winter overwatering → root rot (very common)
• Summer underwatering → crispy plants
• Year-round fertilizing → nutrient burn in dormancy
• Ignoring seasons → stressed, unhealthy plants

Better: Adjust with seasons = healthier plants.

Q: How do I adjust PlantKeeper for seasons?

A: Bulk edit reminders:

Quick Method:

1. My Plants → Filter: All plants
2. Select all (checkbox)
3. Bulk Actions → Edit Reminders
4. Adjust watering frequency (+/- 20-30%)
5. Save → All plants updated at once

Takes 2 minutes: Worth it for proper seasonal care!

🔗 Related Topics

Essential Reading

• Daily Care Routines - Adapt routines seasonally
• Common Mistakes - Avoid seasonal care errors

Specific Issues

• Plant Health Monitoring - Spot seasonal problems (NEXT)
• Troubleshooting - Fix seasonal issues

PlantKeeper Features

• Bulk Operations - Update all plants at once
• Managing Reminders - Adjust frequencies

Last Updated: October 24, 2025
Document Version: 2.0 (Modular Structure)