RHS shares how to care for calathea houseplants
To help houseplants through the warm weather, experts at Baby Bio® have shared their handy tips to keep them “happy and healthy”.
1. Too much sunlight
Just like humans wear suncream, houseplants also need some protection during the hot summer weather too, as they can scorch.
Intense heat and sun can be “very damaging” to indoor plants, particularly in the afternoon. To avoid sunburnt leaves, reposition plants so that they are off sunny windowsills and out of direct sunlight.
Britons should also consider moving any particularly sensitive plants well away from direct light, but don’t forget to rotate them every couple of weeks to ensure even growth.
2. Not enough humidity
The experts explained: “The combination of summer heat, fans and air-conditioning can quickly dry out the air in your home, and puts high-humidity loving plants like calathea and ferns at risk of turning crispy and brown.
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“The easiest way to increase humidity levels is to invest in a humidifier or place a tray of pebbles with a shallow layer of water next to plants.
“Give them a gentle but regular mist using tepid water, too, and consider grouping plants together to create a mini micro-climate and help increase humidity levels.”
If any leaves begin to turn crispy around the edges, consider moving them into more humid rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen.
3. Not watering deeply
Plants will need regular watering during the summer months, and they will be particularly thirsty when the weather is warm.
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Rather than sticking to a regime of watering once a week, the experts recommended checking the soil moisture levels every few days to ensure they don’t dry out.
If in doubt, use the “pencil trick” which involves sticking a pencil into the compost. If the top two inches are dry, it’s time to water.
The pros added: “Ensure you aerate the soil to allow for an even distribution of water, again using a pencil or your finger, and water generously.
“This allows water to reach the roots, which encourages your plant to develop strong, healthy root systems.
“If water only reaches the top layer of soil, you also risk the sunshine evaporating any moisture before the plant has a chance to take a drink.”
4. Not feeding regularly
Plants will be actively growing throughout the summer until September, so it is important to add fertiliser into your watering regime regularly.
This will help them to produce more leaves as well as maintain strong roots, just remember not to feed during the hottest part of the day.
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