5 Essential Summer Plant Care Tips
Did you know your summer plant care routine can be vastly different than in the winter?
Many plants enter major growth phases during the the long, sunny days of summer, but it isn’t always a breeze. Heat waves, harsh sunlight, and excessive air conditioning are just a few things that most houseplants dislike, and making some seasonable adjustments may be necessary to keep them happy and thriving. Read on for a few simple summer care tips for your indoor plants.
Consider Light and Avoid Sunburn
Some plants that are perfectly happy in their usual spot may not be as happy during the summer. Strong afternoon sun, for example, can be incredibly harsh for many houseplants, and moving them to a shadier area may drastically improve their appearance. Notice droopy, curling, or burned leaves? It may be time to find them a new spot!
2. Make Sure to Fertilize!
Plants need extra nutrients during the summer to keep up with all the new growth! During spring and summer, make sure you regularly for optimal health and growth. Use an indoor fertilizer like Boost Vitaminé once every two weeks or once a month and watch your plant flourish.
3. Watering Your Plants in the Summer
Just like us, plants need more fluid during the summer. Make sure to check in with your plants and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Plants like calatheas or ferns dry out much faster when it’s warm out, so you may need to water more often than you normally do during other times of the year. Similarly, add regular misting to your plant care routine to boost humidity levels on your plants foliage. Even better if you add a foliar feed to the mix!
Extra tip: Deep water! If your plants are extra thirsty, consider giving them a good shower. Take them outside or put them in the bathtub or shower and let the water run. You may even leave your plant for a few hours in water for the roots to drink before draining and returning to its home.
4. Air Conditioning Effects on Houseplants
Many indoor plants thrive with a decent amount of humidity and things like dry summers, heat waves, or air conditioning may reduce the amount of humidity in your home. Make sure your plant is not in the direct path of any air vents, and mist your plants regularly. If things are really dry, you may consider using a humidifier.
5. Bringing Your Plants Outdoors
Seasoned green thumbs love bringing their plants outside in the summer, and yours may benefit from this treatment, too. If you decide to try it out, make sure the shift is gradual (ie don’t put a plant that’s normally in low light in a super bright spot) and as always, avoid direct sunlight. Also be aware of other environmental factors: the temperatures should never drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, avoid excessive rainfall and wind, and keep a close eye on pests.
Other Summer Plant Care Considerations
A few other things to keep in mind during the summer:
Your plant is growing during this season so it is important to rotate the side receiving the most light. This allows its foliage to grow full and even.
Going out of town? No worries. Plan to water your plants deeply just before leaving — they will be okay for a week or two like this. Going for longer? Read more tips on prepping plants for vacation here.
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