The warmth of Summer is nearly upon us, making now the perfect time to start preparing your houseplants for the increase in temperatures. In order to get your houseplants prepped for Summer and see them thriving long into the new year, follow along with these useful tips.

Check sun exposure and positioning of your plant

One of the most common mistakes when it comes to caring for indoor plants is too much direct sun exposure. This can burn leaves, make leaves limp, or result in leaves losing their vibrancy. Therefore, the first thing you want to do is to move plants away from any direct sunlight. Plants perching on windowsills, or sitting on stands right in front of windows will need to be repositioned. They will still need some sunlight so just try to find a spot with filtered light.

Be wary of temperature and humidity

It goes without saying that when Summer rolls around, air-conditioning usage increases. Be wary that this may dry out the environment, which will shock your plants. Fluctuations in temperatures can damage your houseplants just as much as a long period of heat or cold. If you have any plants sitting in zone for a blast from the air-con, these will need to be moved as they will dry out too quickly. Subtle breezes from open windows may be OK, as these won’t directly shock the plants, so if you need to cool down your environment, a cracked window may be the better option.

Water frequently & deeply

Adequate watering is the key to indoor plant care at any time of the year. Not enough water will cause your plant to dry out and get brown leaves. Too much water will cause your plant to become limp. While watering is important all year round, it becomes especially crucial in the Summer as the heat will evaporate the water a lot faster than normal.

When watering your plants in the Summer, you need to avoid using cold water as this may shock the roots. Stick to room temperature liquids and water in the morning if possible, as this will allow for the plant to watered well.

Fertilize/feed when needed (at least once a month)

Some of your plants may have lasted the entire Winter and Spring without any fertilisation, but now is the time to get your fertiliser out and give your plant a good energy boost.

Although fertilising in the Summer will encourage your plants to grow and sprout new leaves, you should still be wary of when you choose to do this. Fertilising during a heat wave is not recommended as your plant will be using all of its energy to cope with these temperatures, rather than taking in any new nutrients. Wait for a cooler day before fertilising as this will allow  your plant to absorb all of the good nutrients.

Clean and keep the plants pest-free

When dust gathers on leaves, this can act as a barrier to light getting in where needed. In order for your houseplants to absorb as much as light as possible, they need to be free of dust. We recommend using a clean, damp cloth with warm water to gently remove any dust mites. Clean leaves are more likely to photosynthesize and breathe freely, leading to healthy, happy plants.

In addition to this, you may notice an increase in pests hanging around your plants during these warmer months. While you are cleaning any dust from your plants, you should also inspect them for bugs and pests, then remove accordingly.

Repot houseplants that are too big for their current pot

During warmer months, your plants will be growing and may start to run out of room in their original pot. Therefore, Summer can be a great time to re-pot. Similar to fertilising, you need to be tactical while choosing when to do this. Choose a cooler day so that your plant can focus its energy on growing into the new pot, rather than adding stress.

Signs that your plant may need re-potted:

1. You find yourself watering more frequently
2. Water is running straight out of the pots drainage holes
3. Growth has significantly slowed down
4. Roots are starting to creep out of drainage holes or have become root bound

Find out more: How to repot houseplants

While this may seem like a long list of things to take into consideration, Summer is a special time for houseplants – full of new growth, leaves, shoots, and flowers. A little bit of preparation will go a long way and see your houseplants thriving into the new year. 

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If you have any questions regarding houseplant care, please contact us through the website or on Facebook. Our talented team has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help you grow healthy and happy houseplants.