Find out what to do with your houseplants during summertime. Now is the time to repot, check for pests and diseases and treat them, bathe them, and topdress and fertilize.
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Hello and welcome to healthyhouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, I am going to continue with my series on garden chores depending on the season. I will talk to you right now about summer garden chores and what to consider doing during the summertime months, wherever you’re located, with your houseplants.
As I mentioned in other videos (and I have videos on this), the seasons do affect your houseplants. You’re turning on the heater, trying the air conditioner; it’s warmer or cooler outside. If you open the window, they’re feeling the effects of the season. So, even though you do have a protected environment inside, you still experience some seasonal changes for your houseplants.
For instance, one of the things that they do automatically in spring is they start a growth spurt. Here’s Lucy; she’s in a revival series and is doing really well. As you can see, she has had her growth spurt and has been growing quite a bit recently in response to spring and summer.
That being said, repotting is something you can definitely do in the summer months. I do have a repotting series linked below that shows you how to repot and goes through various stages of repotting, including choosing the correct size pot and discussing pot materials. So, go ahead and repot plants that need it during the summertime.
Another important thing to do during the summer months is to check for pests and diseases. Treat the pests; the main disease you’re probably going to find indoors is root rot. If you have a problem with root rot, deal with it as soon as possible to hopefully save the plant.
I have a video, actually a playlist, linked below on what to do about root rot. In terms of pests and diseases, you should look for different pests such as mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and thrips. Take a real good look at your plants to see if there are any signs of pests.
Some signs would be sticky substances, which indicate there are pests feeding on your plant. Pests feed on the foliage and chlorophyll, excreting a sticky substance as they go, essentially pooping out this sticky stuff. If you notice sticky residue on any of your houseplants, it’s an indication that there are most likely pests nearby.
Mealybugs are one type of pest that creates this sticky substance, as does scale. Therefore, it’s crucial to take care of the pests right away because summertime pests will proliferate with the warmer weather.
A good practice to help keep the pests at bay, after you’ve treated them, is to give your plants a shower. If you live in an area of the country that experiences rain during the summer months, that’s great! A nice rain shower is a boon for your houseplants, and they will absolutely love it.
Just make sure that you don’t put your plants out in direct sunlight while it’s raining. It’s better to put them in a shady spot, especially if you’re going to go do something and then come back. If there’s a thunderstorm and your plants are in hot sun afterward, that’s not going to be good for them.
If you don’t have rain, what I do is put the plants in the shower and give them a nice bath. This helps clean off any dust and dirt that has accumulated, allowing the plant to breathe better.
Plants transpire, which is their way of breathing. Cleaning them will humidify your air more and also help filter out toxins, making them healthier. Keeping your plants clean will enable them to filter toxins from the air much better than if they are dirty and dusty. Plus, they’ll look a lot better and be much happier.
It’s also a good opportunity to hydrate them and their soil really well, so time it when it’s time for watering. Another task you can do at this time of year is top dressing and fertilizing.
Be sure to give them a nice dose of fertilizer. You usually want to fertilize throughout the summer months, depending on how frequently your plants require it. A good top dressing, if you haven’t done that in a while, is beneficial as well.
I have a video on that topic. For top dressing, put a layer of something like worm castings on the top of the soil. This will continue to feed the soil and provide a nice slow-release source of nutrients. It will also help keep your houseplant soil biologically active and alive, which the roots love, leading to really healthy plants.
That’s about it, besides your regular care. Of course, you’re going to continue to water your plants, but keep in mind that hanging plants will dry out more quickly, especially in warm weather. So, check those plants that are up high, as they will dry out faster. Make sure to keep your plants hydrated during warm weather in general.
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Summer Garden Chores for Houseplants
What are some summer garden chores for houseplants?
During the summer months, you should consider repotting plants that need it, checking for pests and diseases, and ensuring proper hydration for your plants. Regular care, including watering, is essential, especially for hanging plants that dry out more quickly.
How does the season affect houseplants?
Houseplants are influenced by seasonal changes, including temperature variations caused by heaters or air conditioners. These changes can affect their growth patterns and overall health.
What signs indicate a pest problem on houseplants?
Signs of pests include sticky substances on the leaves, which indicate that pests are feeding on the plant. Common pests to look for include mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and thrips.
What should I do if my houseplant has root rot?
If you suspect root rot, deal with it as soon as possible to save the plant. There are specific methods to treat root rot that can be found in related videos and playlists.
How can I keep my houseplants clean and healthy?
Giving your plants a shower or exposing them to rain can help clean off dust and dirt, allowing the plant to breathe better. Keeping plants clean also helps filter toxins from the air.
Is fertilizing necessary during summer?
Yes, it is important to fertilize your plants throughout the summer months. A good top dressing, such as worm castings, can also provide a slow-release source of nutrients to keep the soil biologically active.
How often should I water my houseplants in summer?
Check the moisture levels of your plants regularly. Keep in mind that hanging plants will dry out more quickly, so ensure they are properly hydrated during warm weather.
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