Fresh air, warm breeze, and sunkissed skin. Summer time is upon us and, just like us, our plants get excited for this warm weather too! Before you grab your sunglasses, slap on some sunscreen, and rush your plants outdoors, there are a few things to take note of to keep your foliage filled plants happy and healthy during this warm season. We’ll be focusing on Texas in this blog post since we are an H-E-B brand, but the advice is great for anyone considering taking their plants out for the summer.
Temperature Tips
To get started, you’ll want to double check that your average temperatures aren’t falling below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and your plants will also do best if the high temperatures don’t go above 90. If you are in triple digit heat, your mileage may vary when it comes to your outdoor plants.
Humidity Hints
Depending on where you are, the ambient humidity will make an impact on which plants you can keep outside. For tropical plants and foliage, you’ll need higher humidity levels. For our Texas natives, this means those of you in East Texas where it’s more humid.
If you live in a dry climate, like West Texas, foliage will dry out too fast and we recommend keeping foliage plants indoors. Succulents, however, will thrive in the desert-like environment!
Sun Suggestions
Take care to keep your plants in the shade, because direct sun outside will scorch them! Succulents should be able to handle some direct sun.
Water Wisdom
Your plants will need more frequent waterings if they are outside in hot weather. Make sure to water succulents when they are completely dry, which might be as frequently as every other day depending on the heat. Foliage plants need to be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out, so check on them daily to assess their water needs.
Pest Protection
Keep an eye on your plants for pests like mealybugs, scale, aphids, and other creepy crawlies that might try to hitch a ride back inside. If you notice any pests, a wipe-down with rubbing alcohol and a mild soap should help remove small infestations.
When to Move Inside
You’ll want to bring your plants back inside when the temperatures go below 55 degrees. If possible, make it a gradual adjustment, bringing them inside for the night and taking them back out for the day. This will help them get used to the indoor environment again.
Let the Summer Shine On!
Your plants will enjoy some fresh summer air, so the next time you go out to catch some rays, bring your plant babies with you! Just make sure you have taken all of the proper precautions to keep them happy and healthy.
Do you keep your plants outside in the warm weather or do you keep them inside year round? Let us know how you take care of your plants!
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