The summer sun streams through my windows, warming my apartment to temperatures that make me reach for the thermostat.
As I adjust the air conditioning, I catch a glimpse of my fiddle leaf fig drooping slightly in the corner.
That’s when it hits me if I’m feeling the heat, so are my leafy companions. Summer care for indoor plants requires a shift in routine, just as we humans adapt our habits when seasons change.
I’ve learned through years of plant parenthood that the summer months bring unique challenges to indoor gardening.
The extended daylight, increased temperatures, and fluctuating humidity can stress even the hardiest houseplants.
But with a thoughtful approach to summer care for indoor plants, your green friends can not only survive but thrive during the hottest months of the year.
1.Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Last summer, I nearly lost my favorite pothos to root rot because I didn’t adjust my watering habits.
During summer, most indoor plants need more frequent watering as soil dries out faster. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule.
I now stick my finger about an inch into the soil before watering. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Some of my tropicals like calatheas need water when just the surface dries, while my succulents can go much longer between drinks.
Morning watering has become my ritual, giving plants time to absorb moisture before the day’s heat intensifies. This simple adjustment has been crucial to my summer care for indoor plants routine.
2.Mind the Humidity
My Boston fern was throwing a tantrum,” my neighbor Emma told me last July, showing me her plant’s crispy brown edges. The culprit? Air conditioning.
While we appreciate the cool air, AC systems remove humidity, which many houseplants desperately need. I’ve found that grouping plants together creates a microclimate with higher humidity.
For particularly sensitive specimens, a small humidifier works wonders.
I also keep pebble trays filled with water beneath plants that crave more moisture. As the water evaporates, it provides humidity without making the soil soggy.
3.Protect from Intense Direct Sunlight
That sunny windowsill where your plants thrived in winter might become a danger zone in summer.
I learned this lesson when my African violet’s leaves developed sunburn spots after just one intensely sunny afternoon.
Even plants labeled as “bright light” can suffer from the intensified summer sun rays. I now use sheer curtains to diffuse light during peak hours, or move particularly sensitive plants a few feet back from windows.
Rotating plants regularly ensures all sides receive balanced light—a cornerstone practice in summer care for indoor plants.
4.Consider Temporary Relocation
Not all spots in your home experience summer the same way. My south-facing sunroom becomes almost greenhouse-like in July, while the north-facing study stays relatively cool.
I’ve created a summer floor plan for my plants, temporarily relocating them based on their needs.
My shade-loving peace lilies vacation in the bathroom where they enjoy the steam from showers, while my succulents stay in brighter spots but protected from the harshest afternoon sun.
5.Increase Airflow Without Stress
One summer day, I positioned my new fiddle leaf fig directly in the path of my oscillating fan. By evening, the edges of its leaves had started curling from stress.
While good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues that thrive in summer’s humidity, direct airflow can stress plants.
I now ensure fans provide gentle, indirect circulation. Opening windows on cooler mornings and evenings also refreshes the air without shocking my plant babies
6.Feed Thoughtfully During Growing Season
Summer is prime growing season, and proper nutrition is a vital aspect of summer care for indoor plants. However, my enthusiasm once led me to over-fertilize, resulting in burned leaf edges on several plants.
I’ve since adopted a “less is more” approach, using half-strength fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for most plants.
Watching for new growth is my cue that plants are actively growing and can benefit from feeding. I always water thoroughly before fertilizing to protect roots from chemical burn.
7.Groom and Prune for Health
My spider plant exploded with growth last summer, quickly becoming top-heavy and unbalanced. Regular pruning not only kept it looking tidy but encouraged fuller growth.
Summer is ideal for removing dead or yellowing leaves, trimming leggy growth, and pinching back stems to promote bushiness.
I keep plant-specific scissors cleaned with alcohol between uses to prevent spreading any potential disease.
This grooming time doubles as inspection time, allowing me to catch pest issues early—a crucial element of comprehensive summer care for indoor plants.
8.Be Vigilant About Pests
Speaking of pests, they love summer conditions as much as plants do.
The aphid infestation that appeared overnight on my hibiscus taught me the importance of regular inspection.
I now check leaf undersides, stems, and soil surfaces weekly during summer months.
A quick shower in the sink helps wash away early insect visitors, while neem oil has become my go-to treatment for more persistent problems.
9.Remember Vacation Care
Last summer’s two-week vacation almost became a tragedy for my plant family until I developed a proper care plan.
Self-watering globes work for medium-sized plants, while I group smaller ones on capillary mats for short absences.
For longer trips, I’ve organized a plant-sitting exchange with fellow plant enthusiasts in my building.
We care for each other’s green babies when traveling, understanding the specific needs outlined in our summer care for indoor plants notes.
10.Listen to Your Plants
Perhaps the most important tip I’ve learned is to truly observe. Plants communicate their needs through subtle changes leaves drooping before perking up after watering, new growth reaching in specific directions, or colors intensifying or fading.
My monstera’s leaves developed small brown spots last August until I realized the summer air was too dry. A humidifier solved the problem within days.
By paying attention to these signals, I’ve become more responsive to what each plant needs.
As summer transitions to fall, I’ll adjust my summer care for indoor plants routine once again.
The changing seasons remind me that plant care is never static ,it’s a relationship that evolves over time.
With these attentive practices, both my plants and I will enjoy the unique gifts that summer brings: longer days, abundant growth, and the special satisfaction of nurturing life through changing conditions.
Happy Planting