Give new life to Mediterranean plants after winter
As spring approaches, it's time to wake the Mediterranean plants from their winter dormancy. We'll go through everything from nutrients and light to repotting and placing them outdoors.
Spring is the season when nature comes to life again, and this of course also applies to your plants. Many of the plants we have indoors like to be repotted in new soil in the spring, but not all of them will move outdoors. The most common green houseplants tolerate little direct sunlight and should live indoors all year round to avoid getting sunburned. Mediterranean plants, on the other hand, do best outside when summer finally comes to our latitudes. Examples of plants that can be moved out into the sun and warmth are citrus plants, olive and fig trees, camellia, oleander, eucalyptus, rosemary, Australian dragon tree (Dracaena), bougainvillea, plumbago, and palms such as Canary Island date palm and windmill palm.
Nutrients, light and water – the foundation for healthy plants
For plants to thrive, they need nutrients, light, and water. After winter, the plants' nutrient reserves are often empty, so you should give them nutrients adapted to the plant's needs. For example, there is citrus fertilizer for Mediterranean plants and liquid fertilizer that is suitable for a wider group of plants.
When it comes to watering, the need increases now in the spring. After being dormant with sparse water needs, the plant will start to grow again – then more water is needed. Remember that different plants need different amounts of water. Some want to be thoroughly soaked and then dry out between waterings, while others prefer a regular supply of smaller amounts of water.
Light is as important as water and nutrients. Place the plants where they get sufficient sunlight, but make sure they don't get sunburned. Here, too, the needs are different from plant to plant.
Read our plant guides for more detailed information about your specific plant.
Replanting – making room for growth
Repotting is necessary when the roots no longer have room to grow in the current pot. You can see this in different ways, for example, if you notice that the roots are visible on the surface or through the drainage holes, if you see that the plant is starting to decline or suddenly has reduced growth despite watering and nutrients, or if you notice that the water just runs straight through the pot. If possible, lift the plant up from the inner pot and check if the roots have grown together and it looks cramped.
Then choose a larger pot and use new, nutrient-rich soil. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so that excess water can drain out.
Move the Mediterranean plants outside
When the temperature rises above freezing, many plants can be moved outdoors – different plants require slightly different temperatures before they thrive outside. The plants should be moved out gradually to avoid shock. Start by placing the plants outdoors for a few hours each day, and then gradually increase the time until they spend the whole day and night outside. Be careful not to leave them out when there is still a risk of frost at night.
Checklist – moving plants outside after winter
When you move the plants outdoors after winter, there are some important things to consider to ensure that they adapt well to the outdoor environment:
- Acclimatization
Plants that have been indoors in winter need to adapt to the strong sunlight and the varying outdoor temperatures. Start by placing them in the shade and then gradually increase their exposure to sun over several days. - Temperature sensitivity
Some plants are sensitive to lower temperatures. Make sure that the outdoor temperature is sufficiently high before moving the plants permanently outside. If they are to be outside at night, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast. - Water thoroughly
Make sure the plants are well watered before moving them out. This helps them withstand the stress of the move. - Protection from wind
Choose a location that protects the plants from strong wind, so that they do not get damage to leaves and stems. - Pests and diseases
Check the plants carefully for signs of pests or diseases before moving them out. This helps to prevent the spread of pests or diseases to other outdoor plants. - Nutrients
Give the plants the nutrients they need for them to thrive as well as possible. - Adaptation to rain
If the plants are not used to natural rain, sudden exposure can damage them. Consider protecting them during heavy rain until they have adapted. - Pay attention at the beginning
Keep an eye on the plants for the first few weeks after they have been moved out. This makes it possible to detect and solve any problems that may arise quickly.
Remember that each plant is unique, so it may be necessary to adapt the above based on the specific needs of the plants you are moving out.
Pots and plant trolley
Plants that are to be moved back indoors in the autumn can advantageously be planted in pots outdoors. Then it is easy to move them back in after the summer.
A pot trolley is a practical aid you can consider. It makes it easy to move larger pots around. It saves both your back and allows you to adjust the placement so that the plants get the best light conditions throughout the season – and protection from heavy rain showers.
Pruning
Many plants benefit from pruning. Some only during the JAS period (July, August, September), others already now in the spring. Pruning is done to encourage new growth and to shape the plant. You remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
Remember to use clean, sharp secateurs or pruning shears to make clean cuts.
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