• Water them more than in winter.
• Watch out for direct sunlight, which starts to become more intense and can damage leaves and flowers.
• Now that windows are increasingly left open for longer periods, keep them away from possible draughts.
• Use a fertilizer, but if you are using chemical compounds wait at least two weeks after planting, transplanting or changing the pot of any species.
• Choose the fertiliser according to the species and do not overdo the dose, as, if you do so, the plant will not grow correctly and will be more exposed to attack from pests. Flowering plants appreciate fertilisers rich in potassium and phosphorous, which give strength to the flowers and ensure that they last longer. In this case, the fertiliser should be added just before the first flowers bloom.

The queens of spring
The pick of the best and most colourful spring plants to brighten up any home are:

• Azaleas. A classic species that if located indoor should be placed in a cool area and watered frequently. Its flowers are bell-shaped and the colours vary from orange to pink and white. If placed in a small pot, the flowers tend to be more abundant, although above all it must never receive direct sunlight.
• Primroses. Although they can flower at any time of the year, spring is the best time. There are 30 indoor and outdoor varieties, all of which are small in size but with intensely coloured flowers. They should be located in a bright area, away from direct sunlight and with a temperature that does not exceed 18 or 19�C. They should be watered frequently and the soil should always be moist. At the end of spring, it is advisable to place them on the terrace.
• Begonias. They come in a wide variety of species, with pink, red or white flowers. They do, however, prefer semi-shaded areas, although those with red coloured flowers withstand the sun better. Water them frequently when the heat arrives and keep them at a stable temperature of 18�C.
• Gardenias. This is a shrub variety with beautiful, intensely aromatic cream coloured flowers. It needs a lot of light, but not direct sunlight and is perfect for a large pot on the terrace, as it can reach up to two metres in height. It needs fertilisers rich in potassium and nitrogen to help it flower in abundance and it is also important to remove withering flowers so that new ones bloom in later seasons. As for watering, it is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Hyacinths. This is a vivacious plant which is grown via small bulbs and which loves the sun. It has small, close-knit flowers that grow in clusters and that can bloom up to two times in spring, as long as the withered flowers are removed. Hyacinths should be watered regularly and should not be subjected to abrupt changes in temperature. In intense heat the flowers do not last as long.
• Pansies. These are ideal for large pots. The flowers are velvety, abundant and come in various colours. They need a lot of light and slightly sandy soil to ensure that the water is well drained, which should be moderate. You should fertilise them every 15 days to ensure intense colours and it is a good idea to protect them from the rain, which could damage their delicate flowers.