Longer days and warmer temperatures mean summer's in full swing, and it's time to adapt! Just as your summer routine shifts, so too should the care routine for your indoor plants! This is often the prime growing season for indoor plants, and with increased light and heat, their care needs to be adapted. Let's dive into 6 ways to help your houseplants not just endure, but flourish this summer.
1. Adjust Your Watering Routine
With warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, plants are more active and use more water. This means your watering schedule from spring or winter likely needs an update.
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Check Soil Moisture Daily: Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Don't just water on a schedule; water when the plant actually needs it.
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Water Thoroughly: When you water, make sure it runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This flushes out excess salts and ensures the roots get a good drink.
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Morning Drinks Are Best: Watering your plants in the morning allows them to absorb moisture before the day's heat causes too much evaporation. It also gives the foliage time to dry before nightfall, which can help prevent fungal issues.
2. Mind the Light Levels
Summer sunlight can be incredibly strong, and what was a perfect spot in winter might be too intense now. Plants can get "sunburned" just like us!
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Protect from Harsh Direct Sun: Watch where the light falls in your living space. South or west-facing windows can become scorching hot. Consider moving plants further back from the window or using sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light.
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Rotate Regularly: Plants naturally grow towards the light. To keep your plant's growth even and prevent it from becoming lopsided, give it a quarter turn every week or two.
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Signs of Stress: Look for brown or bleached leaves, which can indicate too much direct sun. Pale, spindly growth, or smaller leaves can mean too little light.
3. Manage Temperature & Humidity
Most common houseplants prefer consistent, warmer temperatures and enjoy a bit of humidity, especially since many originate from tropical and subtropical areas.
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Avoid A/C Drafts: While air conditioning keeps us cool, those direct cold drafts can be tough on plants, drying out their soil and stressing their foliage. Try to keep plants away from vents and open windows where sudden gusts can cause drastic temperature changes.
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Boost Humidity: Indoor air can dry out in summer, especially with air conditioning running. Increase humidity by grouping plants together – they release moisture through their leaves, creating a more humid microclimate. A humidifier is also a great investment for plant rooms. Lightly misting can help too, but don't overdo it, as excess moisture on leaves can attract pests or lead to diseases.
4. Feed Your Growing Friends
Summer is a prime growing season for most houseplants, and active growth means they're hungry!
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Fertilize Regularly: Replenish soil nutrients with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. A general rule is to fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer, but always follow the product's instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.
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Water Before Feeding: Never apply liquid fertilizers to dry, wilted plants. Water the plant first, and apply fertilizer after the plant has recovered and the soil has dried slightly.
5. Outdoor Adventures (and the Return Trip)
Some plants absolutely love a summer vacation outdoors. We actually wrote about which plants are best to move outdoors in the summer in a 2021 blog post. Just remember to introduce them gradually to the outdoor world, starting in a shady spot before slowly moving them into more light. There’s several important factors when moving indoor plants outside for the summer and back indoors in the fall—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dives into the details in their guide.
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The Transition Back Inside: When autumn rolls around and temperatures drop, it's time to bring those outdoor adventurers back in. Be prepared: after a summer of abundant outdoor light, plants often experience a bit of "shock" or drooping when they come inside due to the sudden decrease in light intensity.
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Consider a Grow Light: Our full-spectrum LED grow lights mimic the sun’s natural spectrum to provide the consistent, bright light to help them transition smoothly from a summer outdoors to being back indoors. A grow light like the Aspect™ Gen 2 packs a powerful punch in a compact design to ensure that even if your natural light isn't enough, your plants will stay healthy. Support from a grow light can help in preventing that sad fall droop.
6. Stay Vigilant for Pests
Warm weather and increased air circulation can sometimes bring unwanted guests.
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Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to check your plants, especially the undersides of leaves and along stems, for any signs of pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Catching them early makes them much easier to manage.
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Keep Leaves Clean: Regularly wiping down leaves with a damp cloth not only helps photosynthesis but also removes dust and can dislodge early pest infestations. If you find pests, natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective treatments.
FAQ: Summertime Indoor Plant Care
Can I move all my houseplants outdoors for the summer?
No, not all houseplants are suitable for outdoor living. Most common houseplants originate from tropical understories and prefer consistent, indirect light and stable temperatures. Only move plants that can tolerate outdoor conditions and remember to acclimate them gradually to avoid shock.
My plant looks droopy in summer even after watering. What could be wrong?
Drooping can signal various issues. While underwatering is common in summer, overwatering can also cause droop (due to root rot). Intense direct sun can also lead to wilting even with adequate water. Check soil moisture deeply and assess light exposure.
Is it okay to use cold tap water for my plants in summer?
It's generally best to use room temperature water for houseplants. Cold water can shock roots, especially for tropical varieties. Allowing tap water to sit for 24 hours can also help dissipate chlorine or fluoride, which some sensitive plants dislike.
My plant needs repotting. Is summer a good time to do it?
Summer, being the active growing season for many houseplants, can be a good time for repotting if the plant truly needs it. Signs include roots growing out of drainage holes, water running straight through the pot, or the plant drying out much faster than usual. Choose a pot only one size larger to avoid overwatering issues.
My plants are getting dusty from open windows. How should I clean them?
Regularly wipe down leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, which can hinder photosynthesis and attract pests. For smaller plants, a gentle rinse in the sink or shower with lukewarm water can also be effective.
Cultivating Your Summer Paradise
Giving your indoor plants a little extra love and adjusting their care during the summer months truly pays off. By paying attention to their watering, light, and environment, you'll ensure they grow strong, healthy, and vibrant, keeping your home feeling like a lush oasis all season long.
To dive even deeper into the best care tips for your specific plants, check out our comprehensive Plant Guide! →
