We are officially in the "home stretch" of the Ohio winter. While it might still feel cold outside in Columbus, the days are getting noticeably longer, and your plants can feel it. February is a crucial transition period, it’s the bridge between the deep dormancy of winter and the growth of spring.
If you’ve been following our , you’ve already done the hard work of keeping your collection alive through the dark months. Now, it’s time to shift gears from "survival mode" to "growth mode."
In February, we gain about 2–3 minutes of daylight every single day. For a plant, that extra light is like a wake-up call. Their metabolism is starting back up, and preparing to give our new leaves. This is the month where you lay the foundation for a lush, vibrant spring.
Deep inside the pots, root tips are beginning to stir. You might notice your "thirstier" plants starting to perk up or dry out a day or two earlier than they did in December. This is the "pre-spring" phase, the plant is preparing its energy stores for the big show in March and April.
Light Increases
The sun is sitting higher in the sky. It’s time to check if your plants are getting hit by "new" direct light that might be too intense, or if you can finally move those low-light survivors back to their favorite sunny windows. Wipe those leaves clean now to ensure they can catch every new photon of February sun!
Water Frequency
As the light increases and the plants wake up, they will begin to drink more. You’ll likely find yourself moving from watering every 14 days to every 10 or 12. Always use the "finger test"—if the soil is dry an inch or two down, it's time to hydrate.
Fertilizer Prep
Hold off on the heavy feeding just yet. However, late February is the perfect time to audit your fertilizer cabinet. Check expiration dates and make sure you have a high-quality, balanced fertilizer ready for that first "official" spring feeding in mid-March.
Repotting Considerations
Take a look at your pots. Are roots circling the bottom or poking out of the drainage holes? February is for planning the repot, not necessarily doing it yet, unless completely necessary. Start gathering your favorite pots and so you aren't scrambling when the growth spurt hits. For more info on when to repot, check out our blog post, Is It Time to Repot Your Plant?
Clean the foliage: Dust prevents light absorption, wipe leaves with a damp cloth.
Prune the "winter wear": Snip off any yellow or crispy leaves that didn't make it through winter.
Check your soil stock: Ensure you have fresh, chunky soil mix on hand.
Keep an eye out for pests. As temperatures fluctuate and plants "soften" with new growth, pests like gnats or spider mites often try to make a comeback. Also, watch for "leggy" growth, if a plant is reaching desperately for the window, it’s telling you it needs a brighter spot.
As we move from February into March, keep an eye on our socials for all things spring transitions and tips on waking up your specific varieties. The gray skies are clearing, Columbus, let’s get ready to grow!
As always, our in-store employees are also available to provide personalized guidance and assistance with your plant questions. If you're looking for more expert advice, exclusive content, and a community of fellow plant lovers, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below!