It’s important to re-evaluate how you care for your houseplants periodically, especially when the seasons change. Different seasons and temperatures call for different care routines to ensure the plant’s needs are met.
Reconsider Plant Placement
Plants can get burned from the sun just like humans. If you have your plant in a spot that gets full sun all day, consider moving it to a different location for the summer. Too much sun can also cause water to evaporate instead of letting it soak into the soil.
Adjust Watering Schedule
More heat means your plant’s soil is going to dry out quicker. You will likely need to increase your watering schedule, watering your plants whenever the soil is dry to the touch.
This is also a season when plants are going to be using a lot of energy to grow, so they will need more water. Be careful to not overwater. Plants are still susceptible to conditions like root rot if they are too wet.
“Clean up” Plants
Just like we struggle with bugs like mosquitoes in the summer, plant pests are also more active in warmer weather. Keep a closer watch for signs of distress in your plants and take action immediately if you suspect a pest infestation.
Now is also a good time to trim any dead or yellowing growth on your plant to help them focus their energy on creating new growth. Remove any debris that may have gotten in the soil and even consider adding some fresh soil.
You may want to wipe your plants down (gently) with a wet paper towel if they are dusty from your spring cleaning. Dust and other debris can block plants from receiving the necessary sunlight to stay healthy.
Watch the temperature
When you’re opening the windows for some fresh summer air or blasting the AC or fans for some relief, be mindful of your plants. Plants prefer a temperature of about 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plants’ soil can also dry out quickly with these environmental changes. It’s best to move them to a location where they won’t be disturbed by the natural or artificial air movement.
Plants also need humidity during the summer. To increase humidity, place plants together, place your plants on a dish with water and pebbles, frequently mist the plants, or place a humidifier near your plants.
Give Fertilizer
Plants need fertilizer during the summer to fuel them for the growing months. They use a lot of energy during the spring and summer to create new growth, and they need to be replenished. Follow the instructions on the specific fertilizer you choose, but it’s typically recommended to fertilize plants once a week.
Repot
Spring and summer are the best times to repot plants because they are in their active growth period and won’t be “shocked” by the change. If your plants grew a lot over the spring or beginning of summer and are cramped in their current pot, now is a good time to upgrade them to a larger container.
Make sure you water your plant immediately after repotting to help it acclimate.
Consider Moving Your Plants Outside
Some people like to send their houseplants on vacation during the summer by placing them outside. The warm weather and humidity are great for many houseplants.
Just keep in mind, if you choose to do this, your plants will need to be watered more due to more direct heat and sun exposure, and will need to be monitored closely for pests. Your plants should be placed in a shaded location where they won’t get direct sunlight all day.
You may also need to move your plants to certain locations when the weather gets too windy or if there is an impending storm when they are outside.
If you follow these steps during the summer months and continually reassess your plants’ needs as the temperature warms up, your indoor garden should thrive throughout the Summer.