Summer is the season when your houseplants demand the most attention. Longer days and unusually high temperatures all increase how quickly your plants use water, and how easily they can suffer if you get it wrong. 

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your indoor plants thriving through the warmer months.

Why Summer Changes Everything

During summer, most houseplants are well into their active growing season. Roots are working harder, leaves are transpiring more, and the soil dries out faster than it would in winter. What worked as a weekly watering routine in January may leave your plants parched by August.

The key is to stop watering on a schedule and start watering based on what the plant actually needs.

The Golden Rule: Check Before You Water

Push your finger 2–3 cm into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day or two. For larger pots, a wooden skewer works well. If it comes out clean and dry, water away.

This simple habit prevents both underwatering and the far more common problem of overwatering, which causes root rot even in summer.

How to Water Properly

When you do water, water thoroughly. Pour slowly and evenly over the soil until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This technique encourages roots to grow downward and ensures the entire root ball is hydrated. Empty the saucer or decorative pot after 30 minutes so the roots aren't sitting in standing water.

A well-draining potting mix makes a significant difference here. Compacted or water-retentive compost can hold moisture unevenly, leading to soggy patches at the root level even when the surface looks dry.

Timing Matters

Water in the morning where possible. This gives any wet foliage time to dry before the heat of the day, reducing the risk of fungal issues, and ensures water reaches the roots before peak evaporation.

Avoid watering in the middle of a hot afternoon, as high temperature contrast can stress roots, and water evaporates before it's absorbed.

Signs Your Plant Needs Water

• Leaves look slightly dull or less vibrant than usual
• Soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot
• Pot feels lightweight when lifted (a reliable indicator for smaller plants)
• Slight wilting or drooping, particularly in the morning

Signs You've Overwatered

• Yellowing lower leaves
• Soft, mushy stems at the base
• A damp, earthy smell from the soil
• Fungus gnats hovering around the pot

If you suspect overwatering, let the soil dry out fully before watering again. In severe cases, repot into fresh potting mix and check the roots for rot.

Humidity: The Overlooked Factor

Many popular houseplants (tropicals especially) appreciate higher humidity in summer. They will certainly be enjoying the high humidity levels of the current season. But, just as central heating in winter dries the air, summer air conditioning can do the same.

Misting is a matter of debate. Water vapour around the leaves offers a brief boost but doesn’t last long. For plants that genuinely need it (ferns, calatheas, orchids), grouping together, or placing pots on a tray of damp pebbles to raise humidity around the leaves is a useful technique. 

Top tip: Use the already humid spaces in your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are generally the rooms with the highest humidity.

Outdoor Placement and Sun Stress

If you've moved plants closer to windows or outside for summer, watch for signs of sun stress: bleached or scorched patches on leaves, or leaves curling inward to reduce surface area are all signs. Most houseplants prefer bright indirect light rather than direct summer sun.

Pots

Terracotta (clay) pots dry out faster than ceramic or plastic. It’s worth bearing in mind if you've repotted recently. 

Browse our plant pots if you're looking for something that suits your plant's watering needs.

A Note on Feeding

Summer is time to feed. Most houseplants benefit from a balanced liquid feed every two to four weeks during the growing season. But, did you know? Feeding a dry or stressed plant can cause fertiliser burn, so always water first, then feed. Explore our plant food & nutrition range for options suited to different plant types.

Shop Plant Care Essentials

• Potting Mix  free-draining and suitable for most houseplants
• House Plant Care Bundle  everything you need in one
• Plant Food & Nutrition feeds for the growing season
• Plant Pots  terracotta, ceramic, and recycled plastic options
• Plant Accessories tools, supports, and more