Summertime tips and tricks for your indoor plants

Since remote work has become the norm for most of us, having access to spacious gardens and parks to plants and trees seems nearly impossible. Thankfully we can fulfill our need to be surrounded by nature with indoor plants and indoor gardening.

Taking care of indoor plants can seem especially tricky during summers with hotter temperatures and plants having longer sun exposure. However, putting in a little more time and effort into your routine during the hotter months is beneficial as that is peak growing season. So have no fear; we have some summertime tips to keep your plants healthy and happy!

Which plant to choose?

Choosing the right plants is the most crucial step. A good overall houseplant should tolerate lower light and humidity, deal with pests, purify the air, and usually will not grow out of control with proper care.

The most trending summertime houseplants that check those categories to can include in your house are aloe vera, snake plants, money plants, spider plants, and weeping figs.

Watering and hydration

We all know we should water our plants regularly, but how much and when? Since water requirements vary from plant to plant, you should check the soil surface using your finger. If you feel that the soil is dry, you need to water the plant. Never use water that is too cold or hot. Room temperature water at 68°F or 20°C is considered optimum.

Changes in the amount of light exposure your plants get in the summertime will also change watering schedules. With longer days and elevated temperatures, the moisture in the soil will dry quicker than in other seasons. Check daily and adjust your watering routines before your plant becomes distressed. And a good rule of thumb is to check for overhydration as well. An easy-to-remember rule is: Tarnished leaves, rotten and soft patches on the leaves indicate overhydration. Upper leaves that are browning or growing slowly and yellowing curling of the lower leaves are signs of dehydration.

Moving and rotation of plants

When moving your plants from areas with new exposure from directional sun changes, avoid moving your plants without acclimating them first. If you want to move the plant, slowly expose it to its new environment by taking it to a different room or location for about an hour a day in the beginning. Keep increasing the duration of the exposure until it adapts fully.

Although moving your plants from one place to another is not recommended, we recommend rotating your plants regularly. Sources vary on the rotation of houseplants, but a good rule of thumb is to give your plant a quarter turn every time you water them for healthy, even growth.

Avoid direct sun exposure

Plants require sunlight but avoid keeping them under it directly. Always place them in a bright and well-lit room. Further, you should avoid moving your plants to a different temperature zone, for example, from a well-lit area to a very dark one. This change could cause your plant to go into shock. As mentioned above, adjusting the amount of light exposure a plant receives can also change watering schedules as the soil will dry up faster. Make sure to check the soil's moisture daily to prevent your plant from drying out.

Maintain appropriate humidity

If you live in a place with a dry climate in the summer, you will need to increase the humidity levels in that room. Dry air can be rather harmful to your plants. You can go for a room humidifier and keep it close enough to saturate the air around the plant.

A pebble-filled tray with a few inches of water underneath the pot, or next to it, is a comparatively cheaper substitute for a humidifier. The water evaporating from it will help maintain the humidity levels. You can also spray distilled water on the leaves and stems daily to provide extra moisture.

Extensive air conditioning can be harmful

The change into air conditioning running most of the day in your home can have some pretty adverse effects. Plants placed in air-conditioned rooms require close attention to begin with, so if you're increasing your A/C in the summer - there are some things you can do. Some plants lose moisture due to the cold air. If your plant's leaves start fading or wilting, it may be due to the colder environment. Move them near a window for up to an hour each day to keep them from cold shock. Room temperatures should be around 72 and 79°F during the day and no lower than 64°F at night.

Gardening is our medicine of choice. Nurturing, caring, and giving time to your plants every day is a therapeutic, positive experience. Keep planting, and sign up for our free guide at https://www.floralogist.com/the-guide to learn more about indoor plant tips and how to maintain healthy indoor plants.