Taking good care of your summer plants sounds easy, but the heat in Chiclana tests even the most attentive gardener. Sometimes, with the best of intentions, we make small slip-ups that come at a high price in the middle of the season: scorched leaves, wilting stems and roots that rot in a matter of days. At Losteflor we see the same questions come in every summer, so we have gathered the three most common mistakes that are drying out your summer plants and, above all, how to fix them in time.
The good news is that none of these mistakes is hard to correct. With a couple of tweaks to your routine, your summer plants can go from just surviving to looking splendid, even during the hottest weeks in the south of Spain.
Mistake 1: watering at midday or wetting the leaves in full sun
When the heat kicks in it is tempting to grab the watering can at lunchtime, right when the soil looks driest. However, it is one of the most damaging slip-ups during a heatwave. The water left on the leaves under direct sun acts like a magnifying glass and burns them, leaving brown spots that never recover.
What is more, if you water hot soil at midday, the roots suffer a strong thermal shock. The solution is simple: always water first thing in the morning or at dusk, once the substrate has cooled down. That way the water really soaks down to the roots instead of evaporating before it can be used.
Mistake 2: moving the plant to a new spot all at once
Because it is hot, instinct tells us to move the plant to a “cooler” place. It seems logical, but it is another classic mistake with summer plants. A sudden change in light and air flow stresses them and makes them drop their leaves overnight, just when we thought we were helping.
Plants need time to acclimatise to any new corner. If you really want to relocate one, do it gradually: move it a little closer to its new spot over several days. This way it adapts without any shocks and keeps its foliage healthy.
Mistake 3: flooding the pot “just in case”
The third mistake is perhaps the most common: overwatering out of fear that the plant will go thirsty. With soggy soil and the heat, the roots drown and rot in record time. Hard as it is to believe, too much water kills more summer plants than drought itself.
Before watering again, always check the moisture by pushing your finger a couple of centimetres into the soil. Only when you feel the substrate dry to the touch is it time to give it a drink. A pot with good drainage and a saucer free of standing water make a huge difference during the hottest months.
How to keep your summer plants healthy and happy
Correcting these three habits is easier than it looks and, even so, it completely transforms how your summer plants look. Water early, move them patiently and check the soil before reaching for the watering can: with that basic routine you will avoid most of the season’s scares.
And if one is already showing signs of stress, do not give it up for lost. Often it is enough to remove the damaged leaves, adjust the watering and give it a few days of gentle shade so it bounces back strongly once temperatures drop.
Any questions? Visit us in Chiclana
Every species has its quirks, and it is not always easy to get the ideal care right at home. If you have any doubts about how to look after your summer plants, come to Losteflor and tell us about your case: we will help you choose the right watering, location and substrate for each plant. You can find us at our nursery in Chiclana de la Frontera, where we care for your plants as they deserve.
Frequently asked questions about summer plants
What is the best time to water plants in summer?
The ideal moment is first thing in the morning or at dusk. At those times the substrate is cooler, the water does not evaporate as quickly and you avoid the drops on the leaves causing burns under direct sun.
How often should I water my plants in the heat?
There is no fixed number: it depends on each species, the pot and the location. The safest rule is to check the moisture with your finger and only water when the soil is dry below the surface, rather than following a rigid schedule.
Can I move my plants to a new spot when it is very hot?
Yes, but always gradually. A sudden move to a place with different light or air flow stresses them and makes them lose leaves. Move them little by little over several days so they acclimatise without suffering.
How do I know if my plant is rotting from too much water?
The typical signs are yellowish, soft leaves, dark stems at the base and a musty smell in the soil. If you spot these symptoms, stop watering, check the drainage and, if necessary, repot into fresh, aerated substrate.
