Hot plant summer: spring care tips for indoor plants

Spring is here in Australia, and with the new season it is time to help your plants get ready for the warmer months so they can live their best hot plant summer.

With hydroponics you are less constrained by the weather. You control the light your plants get, how much water and nutrients they have access to, and they are less exposed to frost and heavy winds. There is still plenty you can do in spring to help them thrive.

Watering schedules

Change up your watering schedule as spring arrives. Warmer months mean plants need more care at first. As it gets hotter you will need to water more often. For soil-based plants, check how quickly the plant is drying out and water accordingly, using a moisture meter or your finger. For hydroponics, follow your regular routine and make small adjustments.

Nutrients

In spring your plants are waiting for a boost. Using indoor plant food more regularly helps plants thrive in hydroponics or soil. Yellowing and wilting leaves are key signs that plants lack nutrients. See how much nutrient each plant needs in our plant nutrient chart.

Watch out for sunny spots

If you moved plants to a sunnier spot over winter to get more light (our grow lights avoid this problem), move them back before the spring sun gets too hot. Strong sun can damage plants and scorch their leaves.

Wipe them down

Wiping leaves with a damp cloth is great for the health and look of your plants. Dust reduces how much light reaches the leaves, which slows photosynthesis and growth. A gentle wipe keeps plants clean, and a quick rinse in the shower or a spell outside in the rain gives them a refresh too.

Plant seasonally

Planting seasonally is a great way to plan what you grow and a chance to try something new. With hydroponics the seasons matter less, but it is a fun way to get in the mood for spring. Good herbs and vegetables to grow in spring include:

• Lettuce
• Beans
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Chillies
• Mint, sage, thyme, basil, dill, coriander and just about any herb you like

What we would use

Keep leaves strong with our indoor plant nutrients.

Written by the gathera team. Last reviewed October 2026.