Summer plant care: how to keep your plants healthy during hot weather?
Summer is a wonderful time for plant lovers. Longer days, more sunlight and warmer temperatures often encourage plants to grow faster and produce fresh new leaves. However, hot weather can also bring new challenges. Increased temperatures, stronger sunlight and dry indoor air can put stress on your plants if they don’t receive the right care. Whether you have houseplants, terrariums, succulents or cacti, a few simple adjustments can help keep your plants healthy and thriving throughout the summer months.
Do plants need more water in summer?
One of the most common questions during summer is whether plants need more water. The answer is usually yes, but not always. Warmer temperatures cause water to evaporate faster from both the soil and the leaves. As a result, many plants become thirsty more quickly than they do during spring or winter. However, this doesn’t mean you should automatically water more often.
The best approach is to check the soil regularly. If the top layer feels dry, it’s usually time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait a little longer. Overwatering during hot weather can be just as damaging as underwatering.
Protect plants from intense sunlight
While many plants enjoy bright conditions, not all houseplants can handle strong direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Signs of sun stress include:
- Brown leaf edges
- Bleached or faded spots
- Crispy leaves
- Wilting despite moist soil
If you notice these symptoms, move your plant slightly further from the window or place it behind a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight. Tropical plants such as Calatheas, Fittonias and Ferns particularly appreciate bright indirect light rather than intense direct sun.
Summer care for terrariums
Terrariums require special attention during hot weather. Glass naturally traps heat, which means temperatures inside a terrarium can rise much faster than in the surrounding room. Closed terrariums should never be placed in direct sunlight. The glass can create a greenhouse effect, causing excessive heat buildup and potentially damaging the plants inside.
Instead, place your terrarium in a bright location with indirect light. If you notice heavy condensation covering the glass all day long, consider opening the terrarium briefly to release excess moisture and restore balance. Open terrariums generally tolerate summer conditions better, but they may dry out faster than usual. Keep an eye on the soil and water only when necessary.
Caring for succulents and cacti during summer
Succulents and cacti love bright conditions and often thrive during the summer months. However, even these drought-tolerant plants can suffer if temperatures become extremely high. Although they need less water than most houseplants, they may still require slightly more frequent watering during prolonged heat waves. Always allow the soil to dry completely between watering sessions.
If your succulents or cacti are placed outdoors, gradually introduce them to stronger sunlight to prevent sunburn. Sudden exposure to intense summer sun can cause white or brown scorch marks on the plant.
Going on holiday? Prepare your plants before you leave
Summer often means vacations, which can leave plant owners wondering what to do while they’re away. Fortunately, most plants can handle a short period without attention if properly prepared. Water your plants thoroughly before leaving and move them away from direct sunlight to reduce moisture loss. Grouping plants together can also help create a slightly more humid microclimate. Closed terrariums are particularly convenient during holidays because their self-sustaining ecosystem often requires little to no maintenance for weeks at a time.
Watch out for pests
Warmer weather can also bring unwanted visitors. Common summer pests include fungus gnats, spider mites and aphids. Regularly inspect the leaves of your plants, especially the undersides where pests often hide. Catching problems early makes them much easier to manage. Healthy plants are naturally more resistant to pests, so maintaining proper watering, light and airflow remains the best form of prevention.
Help your plants thrive this summer
Summer should be a season of growth, not stress. By adjusting your watering routine, protecting plants from intense heat and monitoring moisture levels carefully, you can help your plants stay healthy all season long. Whether you’re caring for tropical houseplants, succulents, cacti or terrariums, a little extra attention during hot weather goes a long way.
Looking to refresh your plant collection this summer? Explore our DIY terrarium kits, succulents and plant care essentials to keep your indoor jungle thriving all season long.
