The weather is warming up, which can be good and bad news for the indoor plants you coaxed through winter.

Wirltuti is a warm season that will have Purta (to blaze or rage like a storm) seasonal winds with warm temperatures coming in October, November and December.

In Kaurna culture it is indicated by the position of the Southern Cross in October and is referred to as Wirltu (eagle’s foot or eagle). Animals awaken, yabbies come out of the mud. And snakes and lizards come out of hibernation.

With longer days, increased sunlight and a sense of renewal in the air, Wirltuti presents a wonderful opportunity to revitalise and pamper our leafy companions.

Revise watering practices

As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, your indoor plants may experience a surge in growth.

• Adjust your watering routine, accordingly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Check the moisture level regularly, and water when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry. Be attentive to the specific needs of each plant, as some may require more frequent watering than others.

Tip: A water meter will tell you if your plant is dry or wet, saving you from over or underwatering.

Reintroduce fertilisation

With the onset of Wirltuti your indoor plants enter a period of active growth.

• Reintroduce fertilisation to provide the nutrients they need for lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
• Choose a well-balanced, water-soluble fertiliser and follow the recommended application guidelines.
• Generally, fertilise every 4-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) during the growing season, but be mindful not to over-fertilise, as it can lead to nutrient imbalances.

Capitalising on sunlight

Take full advantage of the increasing sunlight during Wirltuti by optimising the placement of your indoor plants.

• Rotate them regularly to ensure all sides receive equal exposure to sunlight, promoting balanced growth.
• Consider moving sun-loving plants closer to south-facing windows, while shade-tolerant varieties can thrive in spaces with filtered or indirect sunlight.

Prune to encourage new growth

Wirltuti is the ideal time to prune and shape your indoor plants. Remove any leggy or yellowing growth to encourage fresh, vigorous shoots.

• Pruning also enhances air circulation, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
• Trim back unruly branches and shape your plants to achieve a desired form.
• Overwatering and poor soil care can lead to pests like Fungus Gnats.

Tip: As a bonus, those trimmings can be propagated to expand your indoor plant collection or shared with fellow plant enthusiasts. These make great gifts for any birthday or Christmas.

Monitor for pests

As temperatures rise, pests become more active.

• Keep a watchful eye out for common indoor plant pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scale insects.
• Regularly inspect both sides of the leaves and stems for any signs of infestation.
• To manage these pests, you can use a variety of methods, including insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or introducing beneficial insects that prey on these pests, lady beetles for instance.

Re-pot to refresh soil

Wirltuti is a good time to assess your plants’ root health and consider repotting if necessary.

• Check for crowded roots, which may indicate that the plant has outgrown its current container. Refresh the soil with a well-balanced potting mix to provide essential nutrients.
• Prune any damaged or dead roots before repotting and choose a container with proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• When you are providing your plant with more water than it needs on a consistent basis, the wet soil will present the perfect breeding ground for the dormant mould spores to thrive. It usually appears as small to large patches of white fuzzy mould on the surface of the soil.

Seasonal plants

Embrace the season by introducing indoor plants known for their blooms.

Consider adding flowering plants such as African violets, peace lilies or orchids to enhance your space with vibrant colours.