Plant Care
🏠 Routine v1.0 Updated 2026-03-12
Plant Care
Purpose
Keep household and balcony plants healthy through consistent watering and care routines.
Watering Schedule
| Season | Indoor Plants | Balcony Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May–Sep) | 2x per week | Daily (early morning or evening) |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 1x per week | 2x per week |
| Transition (Apr, Oct) | Adjust gradually | Adjust gradually |
Method
- Check soil moisture — stick finger 2cm into soil
- If dry → water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
- If damp → skip and check tomorrow
- Empty saucers 30 min after watering — standing water causes root rot
- Water soil, not leaves
Plant Type Guide
| Plant Type | Water Needs | Light |
|---|---|---|
| Succulents / cacti | Very little; every 2 weeks | Bright, direct |
| Herbs (basil, mint) | Keep moist; every 2-3 days | Bright, some direct |
| Leafy houseplants | Weekly; evenly moist | Indirect light |
| Flowering plants | Moderate; per species | Varies |
Seasonal Care
Summer (Jerusalem Heat)
- Move sensitive plants out of direct afternoon sun
- Water early morning (before 8am) or evening (after 6pm)
- Mist leafy indoor plants if air is very dry
- Balcony plants may need watering twice daily in July/August
Winter
- Reduce watering — overwatering is the #1 killer in winter
- Bring sensitive tropical plants indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C
- Jerusalem can get cold (near 0°C some nights)
Sharav (Dust Storm)
- Bring delicate plants inside if possible
- After the storm, wipe leaves with damp cloth
- Give extra water — hot dry wind dehydrates plants
Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check soil moisture | Before each watering |
| Remove dead leaves | Weekly |
| Check for pests | Weekly |
| Fertilize | Monthly (spring/summer) |
| Repot if rootbound | Annually |
| Clean leaves (dust) | Monthly |
Baby Safety
- Keep all plants out of Ezra's reach — many are toxic if ingested
- Ensure pots are stable and can't be pulled down
- No small decorative stones on soil (choking hazard)
- Move floor plants to elevated surfaces
Notes
Israeli Context: Hardy Mediterranean plants (rosemary, lavender, olive) thrive here. Tropical plants need more attention. Jerusalem's tap water is very hard — some sensitive plants prefer filtered water.