As Austin temperatures continue to spike, we are reminded that Plants require some special care in the hot summer months. Most houseplants are actually tropical plants - meaning they are used to being in warm but very humid environments. Therefore, changes in a home, like the intense summer light and blasting AC, can be pretty hard on houseplants.
Keep some of the following tips in mind this summer to keep your plants flourishing!
1 . Adjust for Sunlight
Keep sensitive plants out of direct light or very hot windows. In the summer, light comes at a slightly different angle and for longer than other times of the year. This means that any plants that like indirect light will be too exposed on the windowsill.
2. Watch for Drafts
Move any plants away from AC vents. While blasting the AC feels amazing for us, the ideal temperature for most plants is in the mid-70s. Do your best to keep your plants out of the path of air vents, which will dry them out significantly.
3. Maximize Photosynthesis
Clean dust off their leaves to allow for photosynthesis to happen. With stronger light streaming in, your plants will have the chance to take advantage of the additional rays for growth. Dust off the leaves of your plants regularly with a microfiber towel or even a damp paper towel to free up the surface for photosynthesis.
4. Amp up Your Watering Schedule
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. This is likely to happen more often in the summer than other times of the year, as your plant is hard at work growing. Using air conditioning and increased light will also dry out the soil faster than other times in the year.
5. Buy a Bigger Pot
Upgrade to a new pot if roots are coming out of the drainage hole. We typically suggest repotting to a pot that is no more than three inches bigger than the previous pot (think the next size up) as most houseplants like to be snug but not cramped in their pots.
6. Supply Nutrients
Summer is a period of growth for most plants. This means that they need support and nutrients to produce new leaves and continue to thrive. Support the entire plant from the roots up with organic houseplant fertilizer.
7. Keep it Inside
Do not leave any non-native plants outside. Many houseplants are tropical variants and cannot handle the outdoor heat or sunshine. We do not suggest leaving them outside, even for short periods, as the sun is too intense and will cause damage to their leaves.
