Keep Your Houseplants Happy This Summer: Your Ultimate Guide to Warm Weather Plant Care

Summer in Colorado is a time of sunshine, patio weather, and, if you’re a houseplant, growth spurts galore. But while we’re soaking up the rays and sipping iced lattes, our leafy friends need a little extra love to thrive through the heat. At Denver Plant Club, we’re here to help you master your summer plant care routine so your houseplants stay lush, vibrant, and healthy all season long.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your indoor jungle thriving this summer.

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine (No, Really!)

Let’s start with the most obvious shift: watering. As temperatures rise, so does evaporation. That means your plants will likely need more frequent watering than they did in spring.

Summer plant care tip:

Don’t just water on a schedule—water when your plants need it. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it’s dry, it's time to water. Just don’t overcorrect and create a swampy situation. Roots need hydration, not a pool party.

Remember: south- and west-facing windows can intensify sun exposure, meaning plants near them will dry out faster. Keep an eye on these sunbathers and rotate them if needed to avoid scorched leaves.

2. Feed Them While They’re Growing

Just like you crave fresh produce in summer, your houseplants are hungry for nutrients during their peak growing season. Warmer months bring new leaves, taller stems, and lots of energy expenditure.

What they need:

Look for a balanced houseplant fertilizer—something like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each nutrient plays a role:

• Nitrogen helps with leafy growth.

• Phosphorus supports roots and flowers.

• Potassium boosts overall plant health.

  
  

Feed your plants about once a month during summer, but dilute the fertilizer to half strength if you're unsure. Overfeeding can do more harm than good (think root burn and sad, droopy leaves).

3. Prune, Trim, and Stake for Support

With all that growing, your plants might start to get a little unruly—kind of like kids on summer break. A little grooming goes a long way in your summer plant care routine.

Here’s what to do:

• Trim leggy growth: Snip back any stems that look too long or uneven to encourage bushier, healthier growth.

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves: These aren’t helping your plant, and they could attract pests.

• Stake taller plants: Tomatoes aren’t the only ones who need support. Vining plants or fast growers like monsteras might need staking or a moss pole to keep them upright and happy.

  
  

Pruning not only makes your plants look tidier, but it also redirects energy to healthier parts of the plant.

4. Let There Be (Filtered) Light

Summer sunshine is no joke in Colorado. That bright direct light can quickly go from “energizing” to “crispy leaf nightmare.”

If your plants start showing signs of sunburn—like bleached spots, curling, or browning edges—it’s time to adjust their lighting. Move them a few feet away from windows or diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.

For those plants that love the spotlight (looking at you, succulents and cacti), summer is their time to shine. Just keep a close eye to make sure they’re not getting too much of a good thing.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Hot weather is basically an open invitation for bugs. Spider mites, fungus gnats, and aphids love to make surprise appearances in summer.

Plant care tip:

Check your plants weekly—look under the leaves and at the soil surface. If you notice any pests, isolate the plant and treat it with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or your favorite natural remedy. Prevention is key: don’t overwater, and make sure air is circulating well around your plants.

6. Repot If Needed (But Be Strategic)

Spring is usually the best time to repot, but if your plant is clearly root-bound or struggling, it’s still okay to repot in early summer.

Signs it’s time to repot:

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes

• Water running right through the soil

• Plant drying out way too quickly

  
  

Choose a pot one size larger with good drainage and fresh, high-quality soil (hint: we’ve got you covered at Denver Plant Club). Just try to avoid major repotting projects during the hottest part of the summer.

7. Don’t Forget the Love

Plants pick up on your energy. No, we’re not saying you have to sing to them (unless you want to), but a little attention goes a long way. Wipe down dusty leaves, rotate them for even growth, and celebrate every new sprout like the miracle it is.

Final Thought

Summer is a season of growth—for you and your houseplants. With the right summer plant care habits, you can turn your indoor space into a vibrant, thriving sanctuary. And remember, if you ever have questions, we’re here to help at Denver Plant Club.

After all, plants don’t come with instruction manuals, but they do come with support from DPC.

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

Learn More

Contact Us