Although extra sun and summer heat may sound like great things for your plants, too much of either can cause all kinds of problems for your little green friends. It's always beneficial to be acquainted with the warning signs of a summer sick plant and the quick fixes you can apply to make sure they survive another season of extremes. So let’s dive into the topic of summer plant care and the three ways you can save your plants from summer heat.

Moving plants

Amidst summer fun, don't overlook moving office and houseplants from harsh sunlight — a simple yet effective way to protect them. Although some plants can endure long bouts of sun exposure better than others, (i.e. cacti or Snake Plants), succulent and cactus sunburn are real. Signs of plant sunburn include a total change of color, curling, burnt-looking leaves, and even peeling skin as seen in the case of sunburned cacti. Look out for plants turning yellow or brown, signs of burn spots on leaves, and especially if they’re leafy tropical plants.

Tips for preventing overwatering

With the increased heat and aridity of summer days, plants will naturally need more water than usual, but how much more is enough?

• Before watering always check soil moisture with your hands by dipping a finger an inch into the soil.

• If plants and their soil are looking especially dried out, water plants slowly to give them more time to soak up water.

• Use a water level indicator to check on the status of your plants. Learn more about using water level indicators and semi-hydroponic potting systems here.

Tips for preventing underwatering

• Implement self-watering systems such as glass watering globes or the DIY version.

• Create humidity by placing potted plants with drainage in shallow dishes of pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it will create a cloud of humidity around your plant.

• If you’re off on vacation for more than a week try out the bathtub method for tropical plants.

• Give cacti and succulents a big watering before leaving for vacation.

• Avoid watering plants in direct sun, it’ll only intensify the heat. Instead, always water in the mornings or evenings.

Hold off on fertilizing during heatwaves

Although it seems logical to feed plants during these growing periods, heat can be a real stressor on plants and their root systems. That doesn’t mean not fertilizing altogether, especially if you’re using a natural fertilizer or one without salts. Fertilizing during the growing season is still important. But when it comes to temperature extremes, it’s best to hold off on the fertilizer during any kind of heatwave, as your plant will be in survival mode and not looking for any additional nutrients.