The seasons not only change the environment around your plants. The plants themselves also go through different phases. In spring, many species begin their growth phase, and they are most active in summer. During this time, they produce new leaves and need more water and nutrients. Autumn and winter significantly slow them down. Knowing these rhythms allows you to respond more effectively. This is especially true in summer. Although houseplants grow most vigorously in summer, they are also sensitive to heat, sun, and dry air. Proper care during each phase determines how well the plants thrive and how long their beauty lasts.
Increased Water Requirements in Summer
In summer, most houseplants need more water. On the one hand, the plants lose more water through their leaves as temperatures rise. On the other hand, the growing medium dries out much faster in the heat. Watering is therefore one of the most important aspects of summer care to adjust.
- Frequency: In summer, you need to water your houseplants more frequently than during the rest of the year. Many tropical plants need water approximately every two to three days in warm weather. However, how often you should water depends on the species, size, and individual conditions.
- Watering amount: Water enough so that the soil is evenly moistened. If there is still water in the saucer or outer pot after about 15 minutes, pour it off. It is better to water thoroughly but less often than frequently and only superficially. Watering too shallowly can cause the roots to grow shallowly.
- Drying: Even in summer, when the plant needs more water, the growing medium should never remain constantly wet. Otherwise, the roots will lack air, and root rot may occur. Therefore, stick your finger one to two centimeters into the soil. If it is dry there, water. If it is still moist, it is better to wait.
Observe your plants closely in summer. The leaves also reveal how the plant's water balance is. If they hang limply, the plant is often lacking water. Yellow leaves can indicate either too little or too much water. Therefore, always assess the leaves together with the condition of the soil and adjust your watering accordingly.
![]()
Promoting Growth with Fertiliser
To provide your plant with the right nutrients for its growth phase in summer, it is a good idea to fertilise it. During this time, tropical plants often have a high nutrient requirement that must be met with regular fertilisation. You can start fertilising gradually as early as spring. Towards the end of summer, reduce the doses until the dormant phase begins in autumn.
- Suitable fertilisers: Use a fertiliser formulated for tropical plants or houseplants. It provides the main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Trace elements such as iron are also included.
- Fertiliser type: Add liquid fertiliser directly to the watering water. It works quickly because the roots can absorb the nutrients immediately. Solid fertilisers such as granules or fertiliser spikes release the nutrients over a longer period. They are particularly suitable for plants that are watered less frequently.
- Fertilising frequency: In summer, depending on the fertiliser and dosage, you can fertilise weekly or approximately every two weeks, and some fertilisers even less frequently. Therefore, follow the instructions on the packaging. Fast-growing species benefit more from shorter intervals, while slow-growing ones cope with longer ones.
In summer, the temptation to fertilise more is great because the plant grows so vigorously. But more is not always better. Too much fertiliser makes the soil saline. As a result, the plant may absorb less water despite wet soil, and the roots can be damaged. Over-fertilisation should therefore also be avoided in summer.
The Right Amount of Sun
You might think tropical plants love the sun. However, many species originate from the rainforest. There, they grow in the shade of tall trees and are protected from direct sunlight. Many houseplants therefore do not tolerate the sun as well as people think. Too intense exposure can burn the leaves. Therefore, especially in summer, you should make sure that the lighting conditions and sun exposure suit your plant's requirements.
A spot by the window that was good in winter and spring may receive too much sun in summer. The sun is then higher and shines more intensely, and the windowpane additionally amplifies the heat. In such cases, you should move the plant to another location if necessary—one that remains bright but receives less direct sunlight. Providing shade can also help. Curtains, blinds, or shade cloths filter the light so that it does not hit the leaves as strongly, while the plant still receives enough brightness.
Taking houseplants outside in summer is also good for many species. However, which houseplants can go outside in summer depends primarily on their origin. It is therefore important to adapt the location to the requirements of each plant. Plants from dry, sunny regions usually feel comfortable on the balcony or patio. These include cacti, succulents, and snake plants. Strelitzias also tolerate a lot of light. Most Monsteras and Philodendrons, for example, prefer partial shade, such as under a balcony overhang. And variegated plants in particular are especially sensitive to direct sunlight and are best kept in a bright but shaded spot.
If you take your houseplants outside in summer, you should gradually acclimatise them to the new light. A shaded spot is a good start. Later, the plant can be placed in the morning sun for short periods. Then gradually extend the time it spends in the sun day by day. We explain the exact process in our article "Acclimatising Plants to the Sun."
No matter where your plant is in summer, you should regularly check it for signs of heat stress. Burned or yellowing leaves often indicate that the plant has received too much sun. In such cases, it is better to change its location or provide additional shade before the damage worsens. However, burned leaf areas will not turn green again. If a leaf is completely brown, you should remove it.
Pest Pressure in Summer
Warm temperatures and dry air favour plant pests such as spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies. Checking your plants regularly now will help you detect an infestation early. Yellow spots and fine webs on the undersides of leaves are often the first signs. You should keep a particularly close eye on plants that are on the balcony or patio in summer. Insects outdoors provide pests with easy access to the plants. If you notice an infestation, you should act quickly. Often, simply wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or thoroughly rinsing the plant is enough. You can also use various natural pest control methods. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of saving your plant.
Care During the Other Seasons
Proper care in summer lays the foundation for vigorous growth. However, your plant also needs attention during the other seasons. In autumn and winter, its growth slows down. Then you water less frequently, fertilise less, and pay particular attention to its location. Dry air from heating systems can damage the leaves, so it helps to regularly mist the plants or use a humidifier. We explain in detail how to safely get tropical plants through autumn and winter in our article on Winter Plant Care.
