Summer is here, and your plants are ready to thrive. But just like you swap your wardrobe for warmer months, your plant care routine needs a seasonal refresh too. At The Botanical Bar, we believe that caring for your plants is one of the most grounding rituals you can have. And summer? It's one of the best seasons to watch your green family flourish — if you know what they need.
Here's everything you need to know to get your plants summer-ready.
1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Warmer temperatures mean your plants will dry out faster — especially if they're near a sunny window or on a porch. During summer, most tropical houseplants will need to be watered more frequently than in the cooler months.
How to know when to water: Stick your finger about 1–2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait another day or two.
Pro tip: Water deeply and less frequently rather than giving your plants small sips. This encourages deeper root growth, making your plant stronger and more resilient.
Plants to watch closely in summer:
- Pothos and Philodendrons — thirst increases in heat
- Ferns and Calatheas — love consistent moisture
- Snake Plants and ZZ Plants — still prefer to dry out between waterings even in summer!
2. Check Your Light Levels
Summer brings longer days and more intense sunlight — which sounds great, but can actually be too much for some plants. Direct afternoon sun through a window can scorch leaves, even for sun-loving varieties.
What to do:
- Move plants that have been sitting in direct south or west-facing windows back a few feet.
- Sheer curtains are your best friend — they diffuse harsh light without blocking it completely.
- For plants that love sun (succulents, cacti, snake plants), summer is their season — let them enjoy it!
Signs your plant is getting too much sun: Crispy or bleached leaf edges, faded color, or dry soil drying out within a day or two of watering.
3. Fertilize More Frequently
Summer is the active growing season for most houseplants, which means they're hungry. If you haven't fertilized since winter, now is the time to restart.
Our recommendation: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month throughout summer. At The Botanical Bar, we carry our own plant food tablets that make it easy — just drop one in when you water.
Avoid over-fertilizing: More is not always better. Follow the instructions on your fertilizer, and never apply to dry soil — always water first.
4. Boost Humidity (Yes, Even in Summer)
If you run air conditioning all summer, your indoor air can actually get quite dry — similar to winter conditions. Many tropical plants, like Monstera, Calatheas, and Ferns, crave humidity.
Easy ways to increase humidity:
- Group plants together — they create their own humidity microclimate.
- Place a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath your pots.
- Use a small humidifier near your plant corner.
- Mist the air around your plants (not directly on the leaves) in the morning
5. Watch for Pests
Warm, humid conditions are prime breeding ground for common houseplant pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Summer is the season to be vigilant.
Monthly pest check:
- Turn leaves over and look for webbing, tiny bugs, or sticky residue.
- Check the soil surface for small flies (signs of fungus gnats).
- Look for cottony white clusters in leaf joints (mealybugs).
Our go-to solution: Our Organic Leaf Care Spray is formulated to keep leaves clean, hydrated, and pest-resistant. A weekly wipe-down with it goes a long way toward prevention.
6. Repot If Needed
If you've been meaning to repot a plant, summer is the best time to do it. Plants are in their active growth phase and will recover faster from the stress of repotting.
Signs your plant needs a new pot:
- Roots are growing out of drainage holes.
- The plant dries out faster than usual.
- You can see roots circling the inside of the pot when you remove it.
When repotting, go up only one pot size (1–2 inches larger in diameter). Browse our collection of planters and pots to find the perfect new home for your plant. And use quality soil. Our proprietary Botanical Bar plant soil is designed specifically for tropical houseplants and provides the drainage and nutrients they need to thrive.
7. Take Your Plants Outside (If You Can)
Many houseplants absolutely love spending summer outside; the fresh air, natural humidity, and indirect outdoor light can cause incredible growth spurts. If you have a porch, patio, or even a balcony, consider moving some of your plants out for the season.
Best plants for an outdoor summer stay:
- Pothos
- Snake Plants
- Rubber Trees
- Peace Lilies (keep in shade)
- ZZ Plants
Just remember: Always acclimate your plants gradually, moving them to a shaded outdoor spot first before introducing more light. And bring them in before nighttime temps drop below 55°F.
Shop This Post
Get everything you need for a thriving summer season:
- 🌿 Organic Leaf Care Spray — weekly wipe-downs keep pests away and leaves gleaming
- 🪴 Botanical Bar Plant Soil — premium tropical houseplant mix for summer repotting
- 🌱 Monthly Plant Subscription — get a new plant delivered to your door every month
- 🏡 Shop All Houseplants — find your next favorite
Visit us in store at 1103 N. College Ave, Indianapolis (Friday–Sunday) for summer plant picks, planters, and personalized plant care advice.
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