The more sun, the better for your plants... right? Summer can be surprisingly tricky for your houseplants, especially if you're a beginner houseplant owner. Sunburn, summer plant hydration, summer houseplant pests...the list goes on and on! If you're asking"why is my houseplant dying in summer?" or "how do I stop my houseplants dying in summer?" you've come to the right place! Here’s how to tell if summer is making your houseplants struggle, and what you can do to help them bounce back to their lush, leafy ways.
Do Your Plants Have Crispy, Brown Edges On The Leaves?
What’s happening: summer conditions like warm air, beating sunlight through the winter, and dry conditions can make the leaves of your houseplants dry out. You'll especially notice this on delicate houseplants like calatheas and ferns.
How to stop crispy brown leaves in summer:
- Move plants away from windows that have direct afternoon sun so that they don't get scorched
- If your plants are pest free, try grouping them together - it will increase the humidity.
- Use something like a pebble tray or a humidifer to keep the air nice and moist.
Does Your Houseplants Have Droopy Leaves That Bounce Back After Watering?
What’s happening: your plants are like you in summer; they need more water than usual. If you notice that leaves start to droop, but then get a new lease on life after a drink, it is likely dehydrated, and needs regular watering.
How to water your houseplants in summer:
- Check the soil every few days in summer to make sure your plant stays hydrated.
- Water your houseplants thoroughly when you feel the top 1–2 inches of soil is dry.
- Try bottom watering by soaking your plants in a shallow basin of water for 1-2 hours.
Do Your Houseplant Leaves Look Bleached or Scorched?
What’s happening: Plants get burnt too! If your houseplants have been used to indirect or low light, and suddenly see summer sunrays, they could be sunburned. Glass magnfiies light and increases heat, so be aware of them!
How to prevent sunburn in houseplants:
- You can't fix sunburn on leaves; once the leaf tissue is damaged, it's damaged.
- Move your plant a few feet back from the glass of the window
- Use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.
Have Your Houseplants Stopped Growing?
What’s happening: Summer is a great season to see lots of new houseplant shoots and leaves, but the wrong fertilizer can cause growth to stall.
How to make houseplants grow in summer:
- Use Grow Fast Houseplant Food and Enrich Slow Release Houseplant Food for slow and fast release nutrition for your houseplants.
- Use it regularly throughout the year, not just in summer.
- Stop using chemical products on your plants; it can lead to burning and overdosing.
