Happy Friday!

Welcome toanother edition of the PlantsofK weekly newsletter!

If you have already been a subscriber, I am thrilled to have you back. If you are new, I am grateful that you subscribed! Each week, I strive to bring you tips, trends, and insights to ensure your houseplants thrive and bring beauty to your living spaces.

This week’s newsletter will cover:

• Summer Plant Care Tips

• Plant Spotlight

• Ask PlantsofK

• As Seen on TikTok

My hope is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own indoor jungle. As always, I value your feedback and input. If there's a particular topic or question you would like me to address in future editions, please don't hesitate to reach out by responding directly to this email. I am here to support you on your plant care journey, and I am excited to continue growing together.

I would love to grow this letter and reach more people interested in learning more about caring for their houseplants. If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you know and help grow our community of houseplant enthusiasts. Together, we'll create beautiful and healthy indoor spaces!

Sincerely,

Kristen

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK at no additional cost to you and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

Summer Plant Care Tips

With the arrival of summer, houseplants can require a little extra attention and care to thrive in the rising temperatures and increased sunlight. As the days get longer and hotter, it is important to adjust your plant care routine accordingly. Here are some essential tips to keep your houseplants healthy and happy during the summer months:

1. Water Wisely: As temperatures rise, your plants will likely need more frequent watering. However, it is essential to strike the right balance and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Check the moisture levels in the soil regularly by sticking your finger about an inch deep. Water only when the topsoil feels dry. It is better to underwater than overwater.

2. Morning Watering: Opt for morning watering sessions rather than during the hottest part of the day. This allows the plants to absorb the water before the sun evaporates it, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and water stress. Watering in the early morning also helps the leaves dry off during the day, preventing the growth of mildew and other moisture-related issues.

3. Provide Adequate Drainage: Ensure that your pots have proper drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Standing water can lead to root rot and attract pesky insects. Consider using saucers or trays beneath your pots to catch any excess water and prevent it from damaging your furniture or floors.

4. Mist and Humidity: Many houseplants benefit from increased humidity during the summer. You can mist your plants’ leaves with water using a spray bottle or place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plants to create a humid microclimate. Additionally, grouping plants together can increase humidity levels as they release moisture through transpiration.

5. Monitor Sunlight Exposure: While plants need sunlight to thrive, intense summer sun can scorch and damage their delicate leaves. Monitor the sunlight exposure of your plants and adjust their locations accordingly. Consider moving them slightly away from windows or providing shade using sheer curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.

6. Fertilize Sparingly: During the active growing season, houseplants may benefit from a light feeding of balanced fertilizer. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can cause nutrient burn. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and dilute it to half or quarter strength. Fertilize your plants every four to six weeks to provide them with the necessary nutrients.

7. Pruning and Grooming: Summer is an excellent time to prune and groom your plants. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves to promote new growth. Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Regular grooming will also help improve air circulation around the foliage, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

8. Pest Control: Summer months often bring a surge in insect activity. Keep an eye out for common pests like fungus gnats, spider mites, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation, such as distorted leaves or sticky residue. If you detect pests, promptly isolate the affected plant and treat it with an appropriate organic or chemical pest control method.

Remember, each plant has unique care requirements, so it is essential to research specific instructions for your houseplants. By following these summer plant care tips and tailoring them to your plants' needs, you can ensure they stay healthy, vibrant, and flourish throughout the summer season!

Plant Spotlight

Plant Spotlight highlights a new houseplant and its basic care tips.

This week’s Plant Spotlight is the Monstera Adansonii.

This week’s plant spotlight is the Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Vine. With its iconic hole-ridden leaves, this vine has become a beloved addition to many indoor gardens. Here some essential insights into caring for this unique and eye-catching plant.

1. Lighting: The Monstera Adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window with filtered sunlight, or provide it with bright, indirect artificial light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.

2. Temperature and Humidity: Monstera Adansonii prefers a warm and humid environment. They enjoy humidity, so misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby can help create the ideal conditions.

3. Watering: Monstera Adansonii prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water your plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Use room-temperature water, and avoid overwatering.

4. Soil and Fertilization: Plant your Monstera Adansonii in well-draining soil that retains moisture. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil works well. Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support its growth.

5. Support and Training: Monstera Adansonii is a vining plant that appreciates support. Consider providing a trellis, moss pole, or stake for it to climb on. Gently guide the vines along the support structure to help maintain an attractive shape.

6. Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly trim any yellow or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. Pruning can also help control the plant's size and encourage bushier growth. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow them to breathe.

Every Monstera Adansonii is unique, and it's essential to observe your plant's specific needs. Do not be alarmed when your Monstera Adansonii develops holes in its leaves; it's a natural part of its growth pattern!

Monstera Adansonii is a true conversation starter, with its intriguing foliage and climbing nature. I hope these care tips help you provide the best environment for your Swiss Cheese Vine to thrive and showcase its beauty!

Ask PlantsofK

Submit your questions about plant care for a chance to have your question and an answer featured in future PlantsofK newsletters! Simply click ‘respond’ to this email with your question.

As Seen on TikTok

@plantsofk93

I love my apartment, but it's north-facing windows are problematic for my plant goals. I've been wanting to get a grow light for my monste... See more

Do you want a grow light for your plants but also want it to look nice in your home? See how I used a hanging pendant light and a grow lightbulb to make a more attractive grow light station for my houseplants! If you want to try the same, follow the link below to my Amazon Storefront to see the same materials I used.

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

I am committed to providing informative and engaging content about houseplant care and community. I carefully select products and resources that I believe will be of interest and benefit to you. The inclusion of affiliate links allows me to earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Please note that my recommendations are based on my own research and experience. I only promote products and services that I have used and found value in myself, and that I think will be valuable to you as well.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these affiliate links or the products I recommend, please feel free to reach out. I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you for being a part of my plant care journey and for supporting my efforts to bring the joy and humor of houseplants to others!