How to take care of houseplants in the summer

By Delta George

K-State Research and Extension

Bourbon County Extension Agent

Agriculture and 4-H

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Houseplants, just like people, enjoy a vacation to the outdoors during the summer. Many times they need this time to recover from the low light levels they received during the winter months.

However, care should be taken when moving plants outdoors. They need night temperatures to consistently remain above 55 degrees, dappled shade, wind protection, and frequent watering.

Cool temperatures and wind can kill houseplants, while full sun can cause their leaves to sunburn as they require time to adapt from the low light levels of winter to the intense light received from direct sunlight.

When houseplants are moved outdoors, one of the main concerns and problems is keeping them watered properly. Even if they are located in the shade of the front porch, potted plants tend to dry out very fast. When potting soil is dry one-half inch deep in the container, it is time to water.

If you have a spot that is out of the wind with a little shade, Ward Upham, Kansas State Research and Extension Horticulturist, suggests planting the pot in the soil to help moderate temperature and reduce watering needs.

A trench can be dug six to eight inches deep when several pots need to be sunk in the ground. Layer peat moss under and around the containers to help retain moisture, reduce evaporation, and keep the plants cool.

When potted plants are put in the ground, they should be turned a quarter of a turn every two weeks to break off any roots that have grown into the moss. This also allows for the plant to maintain a well rounded shape by equalizing the light received by all sides of the plant.

With school soon to be out, many families are planning their vacations, so what is the best way to take care of your houseplants while you are a way? The best alternative is to have somebody water for you, but if that is not possible here are three suggestions from Upham.

* Well-watered plants can be placed inside a plastic bag. The bag should be propped up by using wooden dowels or something similar to keep the plastic off the leaves. Make sure the enclosed plants will not receive full sun as heat buildup may cook them; bright, indirect light is best. Plants should keep for about a week with this method.

* This method requires an old dish drying rack, a bathtub in a bathroom with some natural light and some shoelaces. Place the drying rack upside down in the tub and add several inches of water. Push one end of a shoelace through a drainage hole on the bottom of a pot and into the potting soil of your houseplant, while the other end of the shoelace dangles into the water. What you have made is a wick system that will replace water in the pot as the plant uses it. Plants can last a couple of weeks if you have enough natural light.

* There are numerous commercial products that can be used to automatically water houseplants in your absence. The advantage of these products is that the houseplant does not normally need to be moved. All require a reservoir from which water is either siphoned or pumped to individual houseplants. Houseplants should last as long as the water lasts.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.