How to Keep Houseplants Happy During a Colorado Summer

Summer is one of the busiest and most enjoyable seasons in Colorado. Longer days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of sunshine make it a great time to get outside, but these same conditions can create unexpected challenges for your indoor plants.

Many people assume houseplants are easiest to care for during the summer because they are actively growing. While that is often true, Colorado's combination of intense sunlight, low humidity, and fluctuating temperatures means your plants may need different care than they do during the rest of the year.

At Denver Plant Club, one of the most common questions we hear during the summer months is, "Why does my plant suddenly look stressed?" More often than not, the answer isn't that you're doing something wrong, it's that your plant is responding to Colorado's unique environment.

Here's how to keep your houseplants healthy all summer long.

Colorado Summers Are Different

Colorado's elevation gives us beautiful blue skies and abundant sunshine, but it also creates growing conditions unlike many other parts of the country.

Houseplants in Denver experience:

• Stronger UV exposure

• Lower humidity

• Faster soil evaporation

• Warm indoor temperatures

• Increased watering needs

  
  

A plant that thrives in an east-facing window during winter may suddenly receive too much direct sun in July.

Likewise, a watering schedule that worked perfectly in April may leave your plant too dry by midsummer.

Learning to adjust with the seasons is one of the best skills any plant owner can develop.

Water More Thoughtfully, Not Just More Often

One of the biggest mistakes we see is automatically watering more because it's hot outside.

Instead of watering on a strict schedule, check the soil first.

Insert your finger one to two inches into the soil. If it's still moist, wait another day or two before watering again.

Different plants dry at different rates depending on:

• Pot size

• Soil type

• Amount of sunlight

• Air circulation

• Plant species

Consistency is more important than frequency.

Watch Out for Afternoon Sun

Colorado sunshine is powerful.

Plants sitting in south- or west-facing windows may begin developing:

• Brown leaf edges

• Bleached leaves

• Crispy spots

• Wilting despite moist soil

If this happens, try moving the plant a few feet back from the window or filtering the light with a sheer curtain.

Bright indirect light is ideal for many tropical houseplants.

Low Humidity Can Cause Stress

Many indoor plants originate from tropical environments where humidity levels are much higher than what we experience in Colorado.

Low humidity often causes:

• Brown tips

• Curled leaves

• Slower growth

• Crispy edges

Grouping plants together, using a humidifier, or placing humidity-loving plants in naturally more humid rooms can make a noticeable difference.

Fertilize During Active Growth

Summer is when many houseplants are producing new leaves and roots.

This makes it an excellent time to fertilize.

Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can do more harm than good.

Healthy soil and consistent watering are still more important than fertilizer alone.

Don't Forget About Vacation Plans

Summer travel is wonderful for people—but not always for plants.

Before leaving town:

• Water thoroughly the day before departure.

• Move plants away from hot windows.

• Skip fertilizer right before a trip.

• Ask a friend to check on plants if you'll be gone for more than a week.

Avoid leaving plants sitting in trays of water for extended periods, as this can lead to root problems.

Watch for Summer Pests

Warm weather encourages faster pest activity.

Keep an eye out for:

• Spider mites

• Thrips

• Mealybugs

• Fungus gnats

Regularly inspecting leaves—especially their undersides—can help catch problems before they spread.

Healthy plants are generally much more resistant to pest infestations.

Choose Plants That Thrive in Colorado

If you're adding to your collection this summer, consider species that naturally adapt well to Denver's climate.

Some of our favorite summer-friendly houseplants include:

• Snake Plant

• ZZ Plant

• Hoya

• Golden Pothos

• Philodendron

• Rubber Tree

• Spider Plant

• Ponytail Palm

These plants tend to tolerate Colorado's dry air better than many humidity-loving tropical species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water houseplants during a Colorado summer?

Rather than watering on a schedule, check the soil regularly. Most plants should only be watered once the top inch or two of soil has dried.

Should I move my plants during the summer?

Possibly. Plants that receive direct afternoon sun may appreciate being moved slightly farther from windows or protected with sheer curtains.

What houseplants grow best in Colorado?

Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Hoyas, Pothos, Philodendrons, Spider Plants, and Rubber Trees are all excellent choices for many Colorado homes.

Where can I buy healthy houseplants in Denver?

Denver Plant Club offers a carefully curated selection of indoor plants, beginner-friendly houseplants, rare collector plants, planters, and expert plant care guidance for Colorado plant owners.

Need Help Finding the Right Houseplant?

Every home is different.

Lighting, humidity, pets, and your schedule all influence which plants will be happiest in your space.

At Denver Plant Club, we love helping customers choose houseplants that fit both their lifestyle and Colorado's unique growing conditions.

Whether you're searching for your first houseplant or expanding a growing collection, our team is always happy to answer questions, recommend plants, and help you build confidence as a plant parent.

Stop by our South Broadway store to explore healthy indoor plants, unique planters, workshops, and expert plant care advice tailored specifically for Denver.

Visit us in Platt Park or check out our workshops and plant care resources online. Let's grow through the fall together.

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