How to Get Your Indoor Plants Ready for Summer 🌿☀️

As the days grow longer and warmer, your indoor plants enter their prime growing season. Summer is the time when plants wake up, stretch out, and thrive—but a little prep can make all the difference. Whether you’re tending to a thriving collection or just a few favorites on the windowsill, here are simple, effective ways to help your plants look and feel their best this season.

1. Refresh Their Environment

Start by wiping dust from leaves using a damp cloth or soft sponge. Clean leaves absorb light more efficiently, which helps support healthy growth. Remove any dead leaves and debris from the soil surface to prevent mold and pests.

2. Repot if Needed

Check for signs of being root-bound—like roots poking from drainage holes or circling the pot. If your plant is outgrowing its home, move it to a slightly larger pot (1–2 inches wider) with fresh potting soil.
For most common houseplants like pothos and wandering plants (Tradescantia), use a well-draining, all-purpose indoor potting mix. You can also add a handful of perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture, as these can lead to root rot.

3. Increase Water Gradually

Plants typically need more water in summer. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and water deeply when you do. Be sure pots have good drainage to prevent root rot. You may need to water more often if your home has air conditioning, which can dry out the air.

4. Feed for Growth

Fertilizer is essential during the active growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2–4 weeks. For flowering houseplants, try a bloom booster with higher phosphorus content. Always follow label instructions and dilute properly to avoid overfeeding.
Bonus tip: Spraying leaves with water is a great way to boost humidity—especially helpful in dry indoor environments. You can also mist your plants with a diluted fertilizer solution (at about 1/4 strength) to give them a gentle nutrient boost through the foliage. Be sure to do this early in the day so leaves can dry and avoid leaf spots or mold.

5. Adjust for Summer Light

As sunlight gets stronger, your plants may need repositioning. Some may enjoy brighter light, while others (especially low-light plants like snake plants or pothos) may suffer in direct sun. Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth and watch for signs like scorched or faded leaves.

6. Propagate Your Favorites

Take advantage of fast summer rooting by propagating cuttings in water. Snip healthy stems just below a node and place them in a clean glass of water or propagation vase. Change the water weekly and watch for roots to form. Once rooted, these new plants can be potted or shared.

7. Watch for Pests

Warm weather often brings a rise in indoor pests like fungus gnats, spider mites, and aphids. Check under leaves and around stems regularly. Yellow sticky traps placed near your plants are a simple and effective way to catch flying pests like gnats and whiteflies.
Treat early with natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep infestations under control.

8. Try an Outdoor Summer Vacation (for Some Plants)

Many indoor plants enjoy some fresh air. Place them in a shaded outdoor spot and let them adjust gradually—start with just a few hours a day. Protect from direct midday sun and strong winds. Always bring them back inside if temperatures drop or storms roll in.
Taking the time to refresh your indoor garden is a great way to reconnect with your plants—and the process can be just as calming and rewarding as the results. With a few easy adjustments, your plants will be ready to grow, bloom, and brighten your home all summer long.
Be especially careful if you're moving plants outdoors—outdoor exposure can introduce bugs that may hitch a ride back inside. Inspect plants closely before bringing them back in, and rinse leaves if needed.