Skip to content
Monthly checklist · early spring

Houseplant Care in March

March is the official start of houseplant growing season. New growth ramps fast — your watering schedule and fertilizer routine should ramp with it.

Quick answer

Resume regular watering frequency as soil dries faster. Start quarter- to half-strength fertilizer. Repot any root-bound plants in fresh aroid mix.

Light in March

Sun angle climbs. South-facing windows get strong direct light by mid-March — watch for leaf scorch on calatheas and prayer plants. Move those back 2–3 feet from the glass.

Watering in March

Soil dries 30–50% faster than in January. Resume your warm-weather frequency check (finger test, weekly inspection). Don’t over-correct — stick to the dry-down rule per species.

Pests and problems to watch in March

Aphids and thrips ramp up as new growth appears — they target young, soft tissue. UC IPM recommends weekly inspection during this transition month.

What to plan now

Best month for repotting per NC State Extension — plants are entering active growth and recover fast. Buy soil amendments now.