Plant Parents: Summer Houseplant Care
Summer sun can be tough on houseplants. They’ll need us to turn up the love and give them a little extra TLC during warmer temps and sunny days.
Even though many houseplants originate in the tropics, too much heat can be stressful. Your houseplant may be trying to tell you something if you see wilting, yellow or brown leaves. These are signs your houseplant is stressed! Brown patches could be sunburn.
Here are some ways to make sure your plant babies get through the summer months with flying colors.
Made in the Shade
Hot sun magnified by window glass can cause even cacti and succulents to get sunburnt. Check on plants in windows with a southern exposure. If you see signs of too much sun, such as browning, move them back or relocate them for a few months. If that’s not possible try to pull down the shades during the hottest part of the day.
Chill Pill
Air-conditioning can be a saving grace in the summertime heat, but plants need to be out of the direct line of cold air. Just like people, they get chilly. Air-conditioning dehydrates the air and your tropical babes need humidity. If your space is especially dry, place plants on a saucer filled with pebbles and water. It will slowly evaporate and provide some much needed moisture. Misting plants often will make them very happy. Moving plants into the kitchen or bathroom where there’s running water will provide a touch more humidity for them.
Hydration Station
Chances are you’ll need to water your plants more often in the summertime. Check to see if they feel dry more often than usual. Watering deeply is also important. Put plants in a sink filled partway with water and allow them to soak it up for 20 minutes or so. Pull the plug and let the plants drain completely before placing them back in their space.
What’s Bugging You?
Houseplants can be prone to pests in the summertime. Keep an eye on them and if you see any insects, cobwebs or white powdery substances, take action. Sometimes it’s enough to take them outside and wash them off with a gentle stream of the hose. If it persists, use Espoma’s organic insect spray or neem oil. Remove any dead leaves or other debris from the soil surface to prevent mildew and other disease.
Shower Them
Nothing is better than fresh air flowing through open windows on a cool summer day. The down side is that a lot of pollen, air pollutants and dust blow in and build up on plant leaves. That makes it hard for plants to breathe and absorb sunshine. Wipe off foliage with a damp cloth every couple of weeks or give them a soft shower. They will love getting a deep watering, lots of humidity and having clean fresh leaves. After the shower, give the plants some time to drip dry. This allows the water to completely drain out of the pot too.
Nature’s Vitamins
This is the perfect time to feed your plants. In spring and summer it’s a good idea to keep plants on a regular feeding schedule with an organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Indoor! Feeding after watering helps ensure that the plant food doesn’t just run out of the pot. Moist soil is better at absorbing the food.
Now that your plants are clean and fed, we think you might enjoy these blogs.
Parenting Advice for New Plant Parents
Your Plants Are Trying to Tell You Something
Plant Parenthood: Top 5 Plants to Start Your Houseplant Family With
Espoma Products for Indoor plants
