Summer brings longer days, warmth, and fast growth—but also stress, heatwaves, and dry spells that can challenge even the most seasoned plant lovers. If your plants start wilting or looking tired as temperatures rise, you might be making one of these common summer mistakes.

At Planteka, we help you enjoy every season with confidence through practical guides, expert-led courses, and personalized plant advice. Whether you’re growing a balcony jungle or caring for a few houseplants, avoiding these summer pitfalls can make a world of difference.

1️⃣ Overwatering to “rescue” a plant

The mistake: When a plant looks sad in summer, our first instinct is often to water more. But overwatering in hot weather can suffocate the roots, especially in compacted or poorly draining soil.

The fix:

• Check the soil with your finger before watering. Only water when the top few centimetres are dry.
• Use pots with drainage holes.
• Use bottom watering (learn how to do it here).

2️⃣ Watering at the wrong time of day

The mistake: Watering at midday, when the sun is strongest, causes water to evaporate before it reaches the roots—and can even damage leaves if droplets act like magnifying glasses.

The fix:

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Always water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves.

3️⃣ Moving plants into direct sun too quickly

The mistake: Bringing houseplants or shade-lovers directly into full summer sun can scorch their leaves and cause shock.

The fix:

• Gradually acclimate plants to brighter conditions.
• Use shade cloth or place sun-sensitive plants in dappled light.

4️⃣ Repotting or pruning during heatwaves

The mistake: Summer might seem like a good time to refresh your plants—but repotting or pruning during high heat adds stress during a time when plants are already working hard to survive.

The fix:

• Postpone repotting until temperatures stabilize.
• If you must prune, do so lightly and early in the day.

5️⃣ Fertilizing too much or too often

The mistake: Heat-stressed plants don’t need extra food—they need stability. Over-fertilizing in summer can burn roots and lead to weak, leggy growth.

The fix:

• Use a mild, diluted fertilizer every 4–6 weeks (only if your plant is actively growing).
• Pause feeding during heatwaves.

6️⃣ Forgetting airflow

The mistake: Hot, stagnant air around plants increases the risk of pests and fungal issues, especially indoors.

The fix:

• Crack windows, use fans, or place plants in breezier spots.
• Avoid overcrowding—plants need space to breathe.

7️⃣ Ignoring signs of heat stress

The mistake: Browning leaves? Wilting even after watering? Your plant might be suffering from heat or drought stress—not a watering problem.

The fix:

• Check the root zone.
• Move plants to shade, mulch the soil, and monitor closely.
• Read our full article on how to protect plants from heat and drought.

🔍 Bonus: Know your plant’s needs

Not all plants suffer equally in summer. Succulents love the heat. Ferns hate dry air. Learning your plant’s personality is the key to summer success.

🌱 Ready to grow confidently through every season?

Avoiding these common mistakes is a great start—but real progress comes with knowledge and confidence.

✨ Join our Gardening Course for Beginners, available in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and online. Learn the why behind every care tip, and become the plant parent your plants deserve.

🎁 Looking for a gift? Our course is also available as a gift card!

💬 What’s the biggest summer struggle with your plants? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your story and help!