How to make sure your indoor plants survive the summer heat

Now that summer is here, it's important to pay close attention to your indoor plants to help them survive (and thrive!) in the harsh Australian heat.

We all know how hot it can get with those summer rays streaming through the window and while some of our favourite plants thrive in that sun, even the hardiest of succulents and cacti will need a bit of help to stay their best, healthy selves.

Plant Daddy's tips for keeping your indoor plants happy and healthy during the summer:

1. Sunlight: monitor where the sun is coming into your home. As the sun shifts across the seasons, it's important to pay attention to which areas of your house are getting too much, or too little light. We recommend that you keep your indoor plants away from harsh, direct sunlight and try to find spaces in your home that get indirect light. If you're not sure what kind of light your plant needs, check out the product page on our website (or Google it!)
2. Watering: it's very important to make sure that you closely monitor the watering of your plants. Regularly check if your plants need water by pushing your finger into a few centimetres of soil to see if it's still damp. If the soil is dry, it's time to water your plant baby again. If not, leave it for a few more days - even when it's hot, overwatering can kill! We recommend using filtered water at room temperature. If you don't have a filter, simply fill your watering can overnight and let it sit so that some of the harsh toxins can evaporate.
3. Air conditioning: great for humans on hot days, not so great for our beloved indoor plant babies. The cool, dry air can cause serious damage to your plants as it reduces humidity and dries out the lovely lush foliage. Watch out for delicate plants such as Calathea's, ferns and even Monsteras - we recommend you move these plants away from the air con and closer to a nice afternoon breeze (and away from that harsh sun of course).
4. Humidity: this is one that your plants will love - even if you don't! Plants such as ferns, palms and Calatheas love humidity. As well as watching out for your air conditioner, you can use a humidifier and give your plants a good misting every few days. If you want to get really technical, you can even use a humidity meter to help your humidity-loving plants live their best lives.
5. Repotting: the warmer months can be a good time of year to repot your plant while it's growing quickly. As the weather heats up, we recommend you repot your plant in the morning or evening and avoid moving your plant around during the hottest part of the day. Once you've repotted your plant, keep a close eye on it and monitor the light and water levels while it settles into its new home.
6. Plant food: spring and summer are when your plant is in its best growing phase, (hopefully) throwing out lots of new, lush foliage. During this time, it's important that we give our plants the sustenance needed to stay happy and healthy. We suggest that you use a slow-release plant food mixed in with your water around once a month over summer. Our favourite is 'Grow' by We The Wild. It combines 18+ organic elements that are diverted from landfill, lovingly processed by Australian worms, then brewed for a plant powering kick! All products are certified by NASAA Organic (5544M), NPK ratio 3:1:4.

If you follow these tips along with your regular, loving care for your plants, there's no reason why you can't all thrive over the hot, Aussie summer. As with all plants, take care when using any treatment and if you need specific help please reach out.