15 Easy-Care Plants Perfect for Summer Vibes

Summer might seem like the same as any time of the year when it comes to bringing home new plants, but it’s actually the perfect time to do so. With the warmer months being most houseplants’ growing season, they tend to adapt much better to their new environment when you add them to your collection this time of the year – meaning less droop, more lush green!

With the right picks, you can make the most of the season and set your new plants up for a strong start. At the same time, it’s good to be careful, as not every plant handles the summer heat equally well.

The best houseplants to buy in summer are the ones that can handle a little extra sun, steady warmth, and maybe even a few travel days without much fuss. If you choose wisely, summer can be a great time to grow your indoor jungle.

You won’t need to water them much – let the soil dry before you grab the watering can. That means you can head out for the weekend and not worry too much about coming back to dried leaves.

These plants can look sharp in any room, whether you’re sticking one in a corner or on your desk. They’re known for being durable and might even filter the air a bit, which is a nice bonus for any home.

These plants prefer well-drained soil and appreciate being watered when the top inch feels dry. You might notice little offshoots, often called “spiderettes”, which you can clip and repot to grow more.

They’re a great pick if you want something safe for pets, as spider plants aren’t toxic to cats or dogs. Just keep in mind they can get brown tips if the air is too dry or if you use water with a lot of fluoride.

You’ll appreciate how simple they are to care for. They like moderate, indirect light and won’t mind if you forget to water them now and then. Their leaves will droop to let you know it’s time for a drink, so they’re pretty good at helping you out.

These plants can help improve indoor air quality, making your space feel fresher. Just keep in mind that peace lilies are toxic to pets and children if eaten, so place them where curious hands and paws can’t reach.

Bright, direct sunlight is best, but aloe can tolerate some shade. It looks nice on sunny windowsills or even outside on a porch during the warmer months.

You’ll want to make sure your pot has good drainage so the roots don’t sit in water. Aloe is also handy to have around – the gel inside the leaves can be used for minor skin irritations.

You’ll probably notice the heart-shaped leaves grow quickly, especially when temperatures rise. Even if you forget to water for a few days, this plant usually bounces back with no complaints.

You can let the vines trail from a shelf or snip stems for a bushier look. It’s easy to propagate, too – just pop a cutting in water and watch roots form.

Watering is easy – you only need to do it when the soil feels fully dry. Overwatering is about the only thing you need to watch out for with this one.

ZZ Plants don’t need much fertilizer or fussing, and pests rarely bother them. They’re a great option for people who are new to plant care or are often away from home.

You’ll only need to water when the top inch of its soil feels dry. Just don’t let it sit in soggy soil – that can cause root issues.

With its broad, glossy leaves, a rubber plant adds a bold look to your space. It tends to grow upward, so it works well in both apartments and larger homes.

You’ll want to keep their soil moist but not soggy. They’re happiest in bright, filtered light, so a spot near a window with indirect sun is perfect.

Since they enjoy humidity, misting now and then helps them look their best. Their feathery leaves can add a bit of green without taking up much table space.

You might notice them growing slowly, but that means there’s less maintenance and trimming needed. Place your jade plant near a sunny window, and it’ll keep its neat, compact look.

Jade plants can live for many years with basic care. They’re also popular as gifts, and some say they bring good luck. Just be careful with watering – they don’t need much and prefer to stay on the dry side.

They prefer indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil, though they can adapt to filtered light indoors. These palms can handle the summer warmth and don’t need a complicated care routine.

You’ll want to water them regularly in hot weather, but let the top soil dry out a bit between waterings. They’re also known to help add humidity in drier homes, which can be useful if you run air conditioning in the summer.

Keep them out of direct, harsh sun to avoid leaf scorch. Every few weeks, you can wipe the leaves to remove dust and let them breathe better.

You can put it just about anywhere, since it handles low and moderate light without trouble. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, so it’s better to place it a bit out of the way.

You won’t need to water it much – just let the top inch of soil dry first. It won’t mind the occasional missed watering, and it’s not fussy about humidity levels.

So if you’re looking for something simple and reliable that still looks good, Aglaonema’s worth a try.

Bird’s Nest Fern enjoys humid areas, so your bathroom or kitchen works well. Regular misting or a small humidifier nearby can keep it looking healthy when the weather gets hot and dry.

Bright, indirect light is best, since direct sun can make the leaves go pale or crispy. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let the pot sit in water.

It’s a good fit for homes with kids or pets, since it isn’t toxic. You’ll find that with a little bit of attention, this fern can add a bit of fresh green life to almost any room.

You won’t need to fuss much over this plant. It does well with moderate light but can also adapt to spots with a bit less sunshine. Just avoid placing it in direct, hot sun during peak summer months.

Watering is simple – just let the top half of the soil dry out before giving it a drink. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it’s safer to err on the dry side. You might also notice it helps purify your air at home.

Dracaena Marginata fits right in with many décor styles and isn’t demanding on your schedule. It’s a convenient plant to keep indoors all summer.

This plant prefers medium to bright indirect light and thrives in spaces where the temperature stays above 65°F. It likes humidity, so consider misting its leaves or placing it near a humidifier.

Water your Calathea Medallion when the top inch of soil feels dry. Just make sure the pot has good drainage so the roots don’t sit in water.

You’ll notice its leaves sometimes fold up at night, which is normal for this species. With a little consistent care, you’ll find the Calathea Medallion is a reliable choice for summer growth.

15. Corn Plant

Corn plants are popular with people who want something easy to take care of. They don’t need much attention and can handle missed waterings now and then. A bright spot with indirect sunlight works well, but they’re also okay in lower light.

You’ll notice their tall, leafy stalks add a little height and green to any room. You won’t have to water them too often – just make sure their soil dries out a bit before you do.

Wipe the leaves sometimes to keep them shiny. They’re known for handling summer heat or dry indoor air pretty well. Their air-purifying qualities are another bonus for your space.

How To Care For Your Summer Houseplants

Caring for houseplants in warmer months means changing up your routine. You’ll need to pay closer attention to when and how you water, make sure your plants get enough natural light without getting scorched, and help them handle higher humidity.

Watering Tips for Warm Weather

Hotter days mean that soil dries out faster, so you’ll probably need to water more often. Never let your plants sit in soggy soil, though. Always check the top inch of soil before you water – if it feels dry, it’s time for a drink.

Water early in the morning so leaves have time to dry. This lowers the risk of fungal issues. Use lukewarm water because cold shock can stress roots – you want to keep things gentle. Clay pots dry out quicker than plastic, so those plants may need a little more attention.

Grouping plants can help keep moisture in the air around leaves, reducing how often you need to water. Inconsistent watering is a common cause of yellowing leaves or sudden wilting, so set a consistent schedule and adjust if you get a heatwave.

Maximizing Sunlight Without Stress

You want your plants to get plenty of sunlight, but strong summer rays can scorch delicate leaves. Move sun-loving plants a bit further from windows if light is intense during midday. Sheer curtains are an easy fix for letting in light without burning your plants.

Monitor for signs of too much sun, like bleached patches or crispy edges. Rotate pots each week so all sides of the plant grow evenly. For low-light plants, set them near east- or north-facing windows to avoid harsh afternoon light.

If you use grow lights, double-check the temperature they give off since excess heat can add unwanted stress. Reflectors or mirrors can help maximize natural light in darker corners without adding heat.

Humidity and Airflow Considerations

Summer air inside can still get dry with air conditioning, which isn’t ideal for many tropical plants. Use a pebble tray, regularly mist leaves, or run a small humidifier to help increase humidity. Cluster plants together to create a more humid microclimate, but don’t crowd them so much that air can’t move.

Good airflow prevents mold, mildew, and pests, especially in warm conditions. Keep a fan running on low in the room, but don’t point it directly at the plants. Wipe down leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep pores clear for breathing.

Make sure there’s enough space between pots for air to circulate. Watch for signs like limp leaves or white mold, which can mean the air’s too stagnant or moist. Adjust your setup as needed to keep all your plants comfortable.