Summer Houseplant Routine: Seasonal Tips to Keep Indoor Greenery Lush
Deep into the heat of summer, it’s not just outdoor plants that feel the effects of longer, warmer days— but our houseplants also experience the seasonal shift and need a different level of care. Exactly how much attention your plants need will depend on your unique indoor environment. However, there are a few pointers that everyone (and every plant!) could benefit from. With summer comes expedited growth as warm, humid conditions are favorable for houseplants (which are used to tropical climates in their native habitat). Changing seasons will mean your plant routine needs to also change— so learn how to best support your plants' continued growth indoors with these 5 tips.
Increase Watering
Perhaps most important and most visibly obvious is the amount of water that your indoor plant will require during the hottest months of the year. Since the days are warmer, the sun is more intense, and light is prolonged, your plants will absorb more water more rapidly. This means that most houseplants will need water more frequently as well as higher amounts.
Specifically, the majority of indoor plants will want twice as much water than normal (but as always, that depends on the type of plant). So for instance, an Alocasia that is used to a half cup of water once every 2 weeks during winter will likely require a cup or more of water at least once a week during summer. And when watering during summer, allow moisture to trickle all the way through the soil and out of the bottom holes of the pot (just allow excess water to completely drain so the plant isn’t sitting in standing water). This thorough method will ensure that all points of the roots and soil are crucially exposed to vital nutrients.
Consider Bringing Some Plants Outside
Your houseplants may thrive outdoors for summer if conditions are optimal— that’s temperatures that don’t dip below 55 or above 90. Many plant parents enjoy letting their indoor plants vacation outside during summer since they may experience exponential growth due to natural warmth, humidity, and rain. Keep in mind that most houseplants require indirect light and do not enjoy drastic changes. So it’s best to keep the plants in a shaded spot outside and gradually move the plant over a couple of weeks.
Protect from Extreme Heat
As the sun shifts in the sky, you may notice that your indoor plants are getting more light (especially if they’re near a south facing window). And during summer the intensity of the sun is magnified. It’s therefore wise to monitor the differences and lookout for signs that your indoor plant does or doesn’t like extra light exposure. If you notice any signs of leaf bleaching, burns, or spotting, your plant may need to be moved away from the extreme sun.
Time for Maintenance
Summer marks the best time for simple upkeep and maintenance as the plant is typically happy and healthy. If your houseplant needs some trimming, now is the perfect time to prune and/or propagate. Cooler months tend to be an unfavorable time for these routines since houseplants can often be stressed or semi-dormant, so go ahead and get it done while you can!
In addition, warmer seasons typically mark the growth season for most indoor plants. So plants will require fertilizer to sustain and keep thriving (again, double check to make sure your specific plant needs). This also is a good time for repotting if your plant needs to go up a size.
Amp Up Pest Prevention Measures
The only unfortunate thing about summer is that while conditions are best for your plants, they’re also best for pests. Any pests that may have been lying dormant in the soil can reemerge even when the plant is fully healthy. It’s imperative to have preventative pest measures in place and occasionally observe your plants leaves and crevices for any unwanted critters. While pests are a nuisance, they are a natural part of the ecosystem and sometimes unavoidable. So long as you handle the situation quickly and early, your plant should be just fine!
As we turn the corner to cooler temperatures and fall encroaches, it'll be time to bring any houseplants back indoors and start prepping for a new season ahead!