Houseplants in Summer

How to Care for Houseplants in Summer: Essential Tips for Thriving Plants

Summer brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and increased sunlight, which can be both beneficial and challenging for houseplants in summer. While some plants thrive during this season, others may struggle with heat stress, rapid evaporation, and pest infestations. From my experience, I’ve noticed that my ferns tend to dry out faster, succulents grow more actively, and spider mites appear if I don’t monitor humidity levels. Here are some tips on how to adjust your plant care routine to keep your houseplants in summer healthy and vibrant.

Houseplants in Summer: Impacts

Before diving into care techniques, it’s important to understand how summer conditions affect houseplants:

  • Increased Temperature: Higher temperatures speed up soil drying and can cause heat stress in delicate plants.
  • Stronger Sunlight: Intense sun exposure can lead to leaf scorch, especially in plants that thrive in indirect light.
  • Lower Humidity: Air conditioning and natural summer dryness can dehydrate plants quickly.
  • Faster Growth: Many houseplants enter their active growing phase during summer and require more nutrients.
  • Increased Pest Activity: Warm conditions create a favorable environment for spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats.

With these factors in mind, let’s dive into specific care strategies for summer.

Houseplants in Summer

1. Adjust Watering Frequency and Techniques

Summer heat causes soil to dry out quickly, increasing the need for watering. However, it’s essential to strike a balance to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Best Watering Practices:

  • Check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about an inch deep; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
  • Water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent rapid evaporation.
  • Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
  • Water deeply and thoroughly rather than frequently splashing small amounts.
  • Use self-watering pots or watering globes for consistent moisture.

Plant-Specific Watering Needs:

  • Tropical plants (e.g., Monstera, Calathea, Ferns): Need regular watering, as they are prone to drying out.
  • Succulents and cacti: Require minimal watering but may need slightly more than in winter.
  • Peace Lily and Spider Plant: Prefer evenly moist soil, so frequent checks are necessary.
  • Example: My Boston Fern needed watering almost every other day in peak summer, while my snake plant thrived with less frequent watering.

2. Increase Humidity Levels

Many houseplants in summer are affected, especially if air conditioning is running constantly. Increased humidity is crucial for these plants.

Methods to Boost Humidity:

  • Use a humidifier to maintain optimal moisture levels.
  • Mist plants lightly in the morning to prevent excessive dryness.
  • Place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath pots to boost humidity.
  • Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
  • Move humidity-loving plants to kitchens or bathrooms where humidity is naturally higher.

Example: My Calatheas started getting crispy leaf edges until I increased humidity by placing a bowl of water nearby.

Houseplants in Summer
Houseplants in Summer
Houseplants in Summer

Top On Sale Product Recommendations!
470 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler with Fan and Humidifier for Living Room, Basement, Office, and Play Area, 115V
Price Now: USD 242.95 (Original price: USD 539.89, 55% off)

Click & Buy:

3. Protect Plants from Harsh Sunlight

Intense summer sunlight can scorch leaves and cause discoloration, particularly for plants that prefer indirect light.

How to Shield Houseplants in Summer:

  • Move sensitive plants away from direct sunlight. Keep them near east- or north-facing windows.
  • Use sheer curtains or blinds to filter strong sunlight.
  • Rotate plants regularly to ensure even light distribution.
  • Place succulents and cacti near south-facing windows to maximize sunlight.

Example: My Peace Lily developed brown sunburn spots when placed in direct afternoon sun, but it recovered after I moved it to filtered light.

4. Monitor and Prevent Pests

During the summer, warm weather creates ideal conditions for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, especially for houseplants in summer.

How to Keep Pests Away:

  • Inspect leaves regularly for tiny webs, spots, or stickiness.
  • Wipe down leaves with neem oil to prevent infestations.
  • Use insecticidal soap or natural remedies like diluted dish soap sprays if pests appear.
  • Quarantine new plants before placing them near others to avoid spreading pests.

Example: I once ignored early signs of spider mites on my rubber plant, and within a week, they had spread to my pothos. Weekly leaf cleaning now keeps pests away.

5. Fertilize Wisely for Healthy Growth

Houseplants in summer thrive as it’s their active growing season, making it the perfect time to add new houseplants to your space and fertilize existing ones.

Fertilization Tips:

  • Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks for healthy growth.
  • Dilute fertilizers to half strength for delicate plants.
  • Stop fertilizing if plants show signs of stress like yellowing leaves.
  • Use organic options like compost tea for a natural nutrient boost.

Example: My pothos exploded with new growth after consistent fertilization, but my orchids needed a gentler feeding schedule to avoid over-fertilization.

6. Maintain Proper Temperature and Airflow

  • Keep Houseplants away from AC vents and fans, as cool drafts can cause stress.
  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Move plants outdoors cautiously. Acclimate them gradually to avoid shock.
  • Use mulch on the soil to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Example: I placed my succulents outside in summer, but the sudden exposure to direct sun caused sunburn, so I learned to transition them slowly.

7. Repot If Necessary

Houseplants in Summer are the perfect season to repot plants that have outgrown their containers. Take advantage of the warm conditions to ensure your plants thrive!

Signs a Plant Needs Repotting:

  • Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
  • Water drains too quickly, indicating root-bound conditions.
  • The plant is top-heavy and tips over easily.

How to Repot Successfully:

  • Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
  • Use fresh, high-quality potting soil.
  • Water the plant well after repotting to help the roots adjust.

Example: My fiddle leaf fig showed slow growth until I repotted it into a larger container, allowing the roots to expand and absorb more nutrients.

Conclusion

Caring for houseplants in summer requires adjustments to watering, humidity, sunlight exposure, pest control, and fertilization. By making small changes, you can ensure your plants not only survive but thrive during the warm months.

Have you faced any challenges with your houseplants in summer? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Looking for more plant care tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert advice on indoor gardening!