Summer is prime growing season for many houseplants—but that also means it's also prime time for well-meaning but questionable advice. If you've heard that your plants need constant misting, extra water, or protection from every hot day, don't worry. Let's bust some myths and separate fact from fiction so you know what your houseplants really need.
Myth #1: Houseplants Need More Water Because It's Hot Outside
It’s been a really hot summer. When temperatures soar, it's natural to assume your houseplants need extra water to stay properly hydrated. But indoor plants respond to the conditions inside your home, not what's going on outside.
If you're running air conditioning, your home may actually be cooler than it was in spring. Some plants may use water a bit faster because of longer days and active growth, but automatically watering more often can lead to soggy soil and root problems. Instead of watering on a schedule, check the soil first and water when it's needed.
Myth #2: Tropical Plants Need Special Protection During Heatwaves
A summer heatwave can make you worry about your tropical houseplants. If you’re suffering, your plants may be, too, right?
Maybe not! If your plants live indoors and you have air conditioning, they're insulated from outdoor temperature extremes. And even if you don’t, keep in mind your monstera, pothos, philodendron, and other tropical favorites generally come from hot, humid tropical regions—so they can tolerate hot, humid weather.
Myth #3: Misting Provides All the Humidity Houseplants Need
Misting is one of the most persistent houseplant myths. While it feels like you're helping, the moisture from misting evaporates quickly and has no lasting effect on humidity levels around your plant.
Summer can be a dry time indoors because air conditioners remove moisture from the air as they cool. If humidity-loving plants struggle with brown leaf edges or crispy tips, occasional misting isn't likely to solve the problem. A humidifier, grouping plants together, or moving them to naturally more humid rooms often has a greater impact.
Myth #4: More Fertilizer Means More Growth
Because many houseplants grow most actively in summer, you’ll often hear folks say extra fertilizer will accelerate the process.
Fertilizer isn't a magic growth booster, though. Plants can only grow as fast as their light levels and other environmental conditions allow. Applying more fertilizer than recommended won't compensate for insufficient light and can damage roots. Regularly fertilizing according to the product label is usually all that's needed.
Summer is a wonderful time for houseplants, but don't let common myths complicate their care. A little observation goes much further than following advice that sounds good but doesn't hold up in practice. Your plants will thank you for it.
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By Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
Also known as Althea in the South, this hardy hibiscus is the plant that shows up when everything else in the garden is running out of steam. Big, tropical looking blooms and weeks of flowers. Rose of Sharon is a great plant, particularly this time of year. To learn more Click here for an interesting article.
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