Flower buds and tender new growth signal the end of winter dormancy -- not just for landscape trees and bushes -- but for houseplants as well.

We tend to think of houseplants as being in a static state of steady growth and flowering when, in fact, they, too, experience a flush of reproductive energy in spring.

Because most houseplants (shlumbergia, or Christmas cacti, are one of the exceptions) become dormant in November as days become shorter and indoor temperatures are kept cool, we should stop fertilizing and cut back on watering. In early spring, we need to resume fertilization and increase watering as new growth appears.

There are many types of houseplant fertilizers available; most are liquid formulations that are easily added to the watering can. You'll find indoor plant foods for specific plants, such as African violets, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, etc.

Keep in mind that fertilizers with higher nitrogen percentages encourage green growth and are good for foliage plants, and that fertilizers with higher phosphorus percentages promote flower production. Read labels to identify the percentages of the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order).

If choosing only one plant food, look for a higher, but not too high, phosphorus percentage.

I've switched back to an old standby brand of African violet food for all my plants that has an 8-14-9 formulation with fine results. Consistency in fertilization (every two weeks for houseplants) is the key to healthy plants.

Repotting houseplants is usually done in spring, before the African violets rebloom but after the phalenopsis orchids have finished flowering, or whenever you see roots coming out of the bottom drain hole.

Because the water in our area is highly alkaline, we also need to repot whenever the excess salts line the pot rim or coat the soil surface with a white crust.

It is important to repot using the proper potting soil for the plant. African violet potting soil is mainly peat, which holds moisture for the roots; sandy cactus mixes drain quickly. Use the same size orchid bark when repotting. Orchid barks decompose and lose the ability to store water within a year or so in our climate, so plan on an annual spring orchid repotting. Any good quality, sterilized potting soil will do for most other plants. Never use garden soil, which can contain insect eggs and disease pathogens.

Plant leaves will be covered with winter's dust. Wash the leaves on your plants with tepid water in the sink or, on a warm day, give them a bath outside in the shade and bring them back inside before temperatures fall at dusk.

Remember that the sun's angle in the sky changes with the seasons. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light. (If you can't see a definite shadow of your hand on the wall, the spot is too dark for any plant). Adjust placement of your houseplants so that they continue to receive optimal light all year long.