Summer Plant Care

Bucida Buceras, our Black Olive "Shady Lady" tree — one of the statement plants that needs a little extra attention once summer arrives

Warmer months change what your houseplants need, often more than people expect. Longer days, stronger sun and drier air all push plants to use water faster and grow harder — here's how to keep yours happy through summer.

Watering: more often, not necessarily more

As temperatures rise, plants typically dry out faster and need watering more frequently — but the amount each time shouldn't change. Keep checking the soil before you water rather than watering on a fixed schedule: push a finger an inch or two into the compost, and if it's dry, it maybe time. How dry is right depends on the plant — succulents generally want their soil to dry out completely between waters, while most tropical plants are happier when only the top 20% or so of the soil has dried out. Plants that needed weekly watering in spring may want it every four or five days in a heatwave.

Always water until it runs through the drainage holes and out of the pot, then let any excess drain away — never let a pot sit in standing water, in any season.

Watch out for direct sun through glass

A spot that was perfectly comfortable in winter can scorch leaves in summer, because direct sun through a window acts like a magnifying glass. If you notice pale, bleached, or crispy patches appearing on leaves that face a sunny window, move the plant back from the glass or filter the light with a sheer curtain. Most houseplants — even ones tagged as bright light — do best with bright, indirect light rather than hours of direct midday sun.

Indoor heating dries the air in winter, but air conditioning and warm weather can do the same in summer. Tropical plants like calatheas and ferns appreciate an occasional misting with something like our Haws Smethwick Spritzer to keep humidity up — this is different from a closed terrarium, which should never be misted.

Growth season means feeding season

Most houseplants actively grow through spring and summer and rest over autumn and winter, so this is the time they'll actually use a feed. If you feed your plants, summer is when to do it — following the product's instructions rather than guessing quantities. It's also the best time to repot anything that's outgrown its pot, since the plant has the season ahead of it to settle into fresh compost.

Taking plants outside

Some houseplants enjoy a spell outdoors over summer, but introduce them gradually — a sudden move from indoor light to full outdoor sun can scorch leaves just as badly as a sunny windowsill. Start in a shaded, sheltered spot for a week or two before moving anywhere brighter, and bring everything back inside before night temperatures start to drop in early autumn.

Going away for the summer?

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