Although it's taken a little while to heat up - it's summer time in Sydney and we need to change how we care for our plants slightly to caterer for the longer, warmer days.
TIP NO.1 - MORE WATER PLEASE!
When it is hot outside and warmer inside our homes the plants need to drink more water, just like us! The best way (as always) is to monitor your plants soil. Use your finger to feel the soil to see if it is dry. Scratch into the soil a few cm (more for larger pots) and feel how the soil is. You may find your plant is still damp and if that’s the case, leave it for watering until the soil is dry. Watch our IGTV here for more on watering your plants.
Of course, your plant will let you know if they are thirsty. They will droop if they need water. Don’t ignore this, give your plant baby a drink! If you are not sure and feeling slightly out of control with your green babies needs, then try our Water Checkers. Available in small, medium and large these are genius and tell you when to water! They simply change colour when the soil is dry.
TIP NO.2 - MIST, MIST, MIST!
Many indoor plants are tropical so they actually love the humidity and thrive off it if they are getting enough water. To enhance the ‘rainforest’ climate for your plants you could mist the leaves with tap water in a spray bottle. Very tropical for them! They love it!
TIP NO.3 - KEEP IT CLEAN!
Don’t forget to clean your plants leaves once in a while to take the dust of them. Aside from making your plants look glossy and shiny, your plant will thank you as they can breathe much better with clean leaves. Try our Plant Runner Neem Oil for this.
TIP NO.4 - ON HOLIDAYS? DON'T NEGLECT!
With many of us taking off for holidays over the summer, it's important to consider your plant babes just as you would consider your pets!
If you are only away for a week (maybe up to 2), your plant babies will be ok. Just make sure you give them a good soak by gently running the tap in your sink or bath over your plant and get the soil nice and wet. IMPORTANT!! The water needs run out through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. It’s important that your plant isn’t sitting in water. If there is a plastic plug in the bottom of the pot, take it out to water your plant. When the water has drained out you can put the plastic plug back in.
If you are going away for more that 2 weeks, then perhaps ask a friend to help either by popping in to water them or relocating them to their place where they can care for them until you return. There is nothing sadder than getting home from holidays to see your plant friends under stress!
TIP NO.5 - FEED ME!
Chances are, you may have kicked off your fertilising in Spring. If so, great, keep going! If not, that's ok, so long as your plants are not bone dry or stressed, you should give them a feed now! In summer, they are still growing so it's a great time to boost the nutrients in the soil. You can use a slow releaser fertiliser or a wonderful plant food such as the Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food.
Of course, no matter what the season, always 'listen' to your plants. They do love to tell you what they need. And if in doubt, send us an email at hello@captainmonstera.com.au and we will always do our best to offer advice!
LOVE SUZY & LARA xxx