Things are heating up this summer, and tropical plants and succulents that have been enjoying the sunshine may start to show signs of stress. 

Here are some tips for getting those plants through the hot months of summer. 

Tropicals

Sun Damage

Most tropical plants like a brightly shaded area, rather than full sun. If your plants have been exposed to direct sunlight, you may notice a bit of sunburn on their leaves (brown or yellowing spots). Move your plant to a shaded area, and remove the damaged foliage. Make sure the area is shaded all day as the sun moves.  Cut back on fertilizing until the plant recovers. 

Water

Proper watering is the key to keeping any plant alive, indoors or out. For tropical plants, think of the jungle–moist soil and hot, humid air is the ideal condition for these plants. In these hotter months it’s challenging to keep plants from getting thirsty. Check containers often to be sure they aren’t drying out. If the soil starts to pull away from the pot, or the soil is dry using the finger test (push your finger into the soil about an inch), your plant is too dry and probably should be watered more frequently. Water until it runs through the pot or roughly 30 seconds for garden bed plants. Read our blog on Summer Watering Tips for more information on how to water your plants. 

Food

Fertilizing your tropicals will ensure they look their best in the summer. Keep in mind, the more you water, the more you should be fertilizing. Watering often can force nutrients to run through the soil, leaving your plants hungry. Use a water-soluble fertilizer high in potassium every 14 days to keep the blooms looking great. Watch our video Fertilizer Made Easy for more information. 

Succulents

Sun 

Contrary to popular thinking, most succulents do not like full sun. Like tropicals, they can get sunburned if exposed to direct sun. It is best to keep these plants in a brightly shaded spot. They do like the heat though, so they will love being outside for a few months. 

Water

Succulents are drought-tolerant and can go periods of time without water. However, it is still important to check them regularly. When the top few inches of soil are dry, you’ll want to water deeply. 

Food

Unlike most outdoor plants, you’ll want to delay fertilizing your succulents when they are outdoors. Because succulents don’t need much water, it is easy to over fertilize them. It is best to give them a boost in early Spring during growing season. They don’t need to be fertilized more than once a year. 

Read why Succulents are a must-have plant.

For more information on caring for your outdoor plants, visit any English Gardens location and talk with an expert.