Welcome to May. We’ve all heard that April showers bring May flowers, which also means the return of summer and warmer days ahead. This makes the month of May a great transitional time to prepare your indoor potted plants for the summer months.
Preparing your plants for summer can help keep them thriving throughout the warm temperatures as well as into the rest of the year and beyond. Our HortyGirl potted plant expert has shared top tips on how to help prepare your indoor potted plants for the summer. Keep reading to learn some useful summer prep plant care tips.
1. Reposition Indoor Potted Plants to Limit Sunlight Exposure
During the summer, more sun tends to shine into your living decor so it’s a good idea to start repositioning your indoor potted plants away from areas that receive direct sunlight exposure. Before moving any of your indoor potted plants, it’s important to check the type of plant you have and the amount of light your plant requires.
For most plant types too much direct sunlight can burn and dry out leaves. However, most plants do require light, but bright indirect or filtered sunlight. The types of plants that require indirect light, and are currently on window sills will need to be moved to areas with filtered light.
Some plant types can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours, such as the Jade plants. Jade plants require at least 4 hours per day of sunlight. If given the necessary amount of sunlight, Jade Plants will flower. If the Jade plant receives too much direct sunlight, it can burn the leaves and cause the leaves to have red tips. On the other hand, not enough sunlight can limit the growth of the Jade plant.
2. Water Your Indoor Potted Plants
Watering your indoor potted plants is important all year round, but the most crucial time for watering is during the summer as the warm temperatures and heat will dry out the water faster than normal.
Before watering your plant, always check the soil moisture of your plant and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. For most plants, too little water can cause the plant to dry out causing the leaves to turn brown. However, too much water can cause the plant to go limp.
In the summer, avoid using cold water for watering as it may shock the roots. Always stick to room temperature water and water in the mornings to allow the water to soak in the soil throughout the day.
For plants that do not have soil, such as Air Plants, a different watering method is required. Water Air Plants about once a week by completely submerging them in a sink, bowl or small jar and leave it to soak in the water for about 30-60 minutes.
3. Clean Indoor Potted Plant Leaves and Check for Pests
In the summer, dust can gather on the leaves, which can prevent necessary light from getting to the plant. Be sure to clean your indoor potted plant leaves so that the plants can absorb as much light as required and breathe freely. Use a clean damp cloth with warm water and wipe leaves gently to remove any dust.
Also as we head into the warmer summer months, more pests may appear on your plant. When wiping the leaves of your indoor potted plant, also check for plant pests and remove if necessary with mild liquid soap diluted with water.
4. Watch Temperature and Humidity For Your Indoor Potted Plants
For most indoor potted plants, room temperature is adequate. As the months get warmer, air condition usage in your living decor may increase. Long periods of cold temperature tends to dry out the room and the environment, which can shock your indoor potted plants.
If you have any plants close to air conditioning units, best to move your plants away from them. Small breezes from open windows are fine and won’t shock the plants directly.
Transitioning Indoor Potted Plants Outside
Indoor potted plants do love fresh air and can go outside on your deck or patio during the warm summer months. If you’d like to place your plants outside, you’ll want to gradually acclimatize your plants to the outside environment to avoid stress or damage to your plants.
Once the weather gets warmer, slowly acclimatize your plants by placing them in a shady area for an hour or two the first day and gradually increase the time your plants spend outside over the next 7-10 days.
When determining a place for your plants outside, keep in mind the intensity of sunlight outdoors and the required lighting for your indoor potted plant. Morning sun is less intense and generally fine for most plants, but only for short periods. For plants that prefer indirect sunlight, best to ensure they are in the shade after 10am.
Finishing Up
By following the useful tips above and preparing your indoor potted plants for the warmer summer months ahead of time, you’ll keep your plants happy and healthy throughout the summer and into the rest of the year.
If you’ve purchased our indoor potted plant from a retail store near you or received it as a gift and you’re looking for general plant care tips or living decor ideas, look on the HortyGirl tag that came with the plant and find the name of your potted plant. Next, look up the plant name and find plant care tips and living decor ideas on our blog. If you have more plant care questions, please contact us.