Summer brings longer days, blooming gardens, and bumper crops—but it also brings heatwaves, pests, and surprise plant drama. If your once-thriving plants are suddenly wilting, yellowing, or looking a little worse for wear, don’t panic. These warm-weather woes are common, and with a little guidance, you can get your garden (and houseplants!) back on track.

Let’s break down the most frequent summer plant issues—and how to fix them fast.

Problem 1: Wilting or Droopy Leaves

What it means: Your plant is thirsty… or maybe too thirsty.
What to do:
Check the soil before you water. If it’s bone dry, give your plant a deep soak. If it’s soggy, back off and let the roots breathe—too much water can suffocate them. For outdoor plants, water early in the morning to help them handle the heat of the day.

Pro Tip: Add mulch around outdoor plants to lock in moisture and reduce evaporation.

Problem 2: Powdery Mildew

What it looks like: A white or grayish powder coating your plant’s leaves.
What causes it: Warm days + humid nights = mildew party.
How to fix it:
Remove affected leaves and increase air circulation around your plants. Avoid overhead watering, and use a natural fungicide like neem oil or a homemade spray of baking soda and water.

Pro Tip: Space your plants appropriately and prune when needed—crowded leaves trap moisture and encourage mildew.

Problem 3: Pest Invasions (Aphids, Spider Mites, Beetles, Oh My!)

What to look for: Sticky leaves, tiny bite marks, or visible bugs.
Common culprits:

Aphids love new growth and hide under leaves.
Spider mites create webbing and cause speckled leaf damage.
Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves and munch flowers.

How to treat it:
Blast off soft-bodied pests with water, introduce beneficial bugs like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap. For beetles, hand-picking in the early morning and neem oil applications can help.

Problem 4: Sunburned Leaves

What it looks like: Brown or bleached patches, especially on houseplants moved outside too quickly.
What to do:
Gradually introduce indoor plants to bright light before placing them in full sun. For garden plants, consider temporary shade cloth during intense afternoon heat.

Pro Tip: Not all plants love direct sun. Know your plant’s preference—some prefer bright indirect light even in the summer.

Problem 5: Yellowing Leaves

Possible causes:

Overwatering
Underwatering
Nutrient deficiency
Pest damage

How to diagnose:

Check soil moisture first.
Inspect for bugs.
Consider feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if your plant hasn’t been nourished in a while.

Need Plant Care Supplies or Personalized Help?

Come visit us at Richfield—our team is here to help you find the right tools, organic solutions, and expert advice to keep your plants thriving all summer long. From pest sprays and mulches to plant diagnostics and repotting help, we’ve got your back (and your garden’s too).