| 01 June 2006
With the summer months upon us, you’ll need to pay special attention to your houseplants. This is the most strenuous time of year for plants in the Arizona desert.Your plants will most likely need to be watered more heavily during the summer months, especially if they are near a window. This is especially true in the beginning of summer, as your plants will be acclimating to the higher temperatures. Many of them will adjust over time. Keep in mind that the air conditioning can make the soil stay moist for longer periods of time. In some cases, you may need to water less. Be sure to keep plants away from A/C vents. The constant drafts can damage the plant.
A common problem during the hot months is insect infestation. Be on the lookout for any signs of this. Check underneath the leaves and in creases occasionally. Wiping the leaves thoroughly, or spraying the plant with a water and rubbing alcohol mix (50/50) should remedy this. You will likely need to do this a few times.
Lighting can also become an issue this summer. Plants which are located near a window may get burned. If you notice any signs of burning or excessive wilting in your window plants, move them back a bit, or to another location. Plants that are not near a window may suffer from light deficiency. If you keep curtains and blinds closed to keep your house cool this summer, keep in mind this can block the light from reaching your plants. If you do this, it’s advisable to move plants to a more well-lit location.
You may continue to fertilize throughout the summer months, but it’s a good idea to do so less frequently, or to reduce the amount of fertilizer which is given. Plants become stressed easily in the summer, and are more prone to over-fertilization.