Strategies for heatwave houseplant care: 5 methods for shielding plants from excessive heat levels
As the mercury rises, keeping your beloved houseplants healthy and thriving during a heatwave can be a challenge. But fear not, as we've gathered some expert advice to help your green friends weather the storm.
Firstly, protect your plants from the scorching afternoon sun. Move them away from south- or west-facing windows, where the sun can be particularly intense. Use sheer curtains or blinds to filter light and prevent sunburn. If necessary, provide shade using horticultural shade cloth or move plants to shadier spots temporarily to reduce heat stress. However, avoid excessive shading, as this can cause plants to burn when suddenly exposed to full sun again[1][2].
Secondly, check soil moisture regularly. Water plants deeply at the base rather than frequent shallow watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper, helping plants withstand dry spells. Container plants, which dry out faster, may require daily watering in intense heat[1][4][5].
Increasing humidity can also protect your plants against crisp leaf edges. Open windows to balance indoor and outdoor humidity, creating a more comfortable environment for your plants. Grouping humidity-loving plants together, using pebble trays, or lightly misting them in the morning can further help increase humidity[3].
Adjusting feeding is another crucial step. Hold off on fertilizing during a heatwave since plants are stressed and less able to process nutrients[1][5]. Feed your houseplants with a diluted houseplant fertiliser in the early morning or evening to let them absorb nutrients before the heat kicks in[6].
Avoid mist spraying during a heatwave, as this can cause harmful evaporation effects and damage plants[3]. Instead, focus on watering plants thoroughly, to the point the water runs through the whole pot and out the bottom[7].
Lastly, be mindful when planting or moving plants during extreme heat. The stress hinders root development and plant establishment[2]. If a plant shows signs of overheating, such as wilting, curling leaves, or browning or dropping off, move it to a space with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, and avoid misting with cold water[8].
By following these guidelines—protecting from direct sun, watering deeply, increasing humidity, and adjusting care routines—you can help your houseplants survive and stay healthy during a heatwave[1][2][3][4][5].
Remember, different plants have different heat tolerances. Dragon trees, snake plants, and sedums are more heat-tolerant than ferns and spider plants. When choosing new plants, consider low-maintenance, sturdy options that can bounce back quickly even if forgotten for a while during the summer[9].
Regularly checking soil moisture is important, as houseplants may need more frequent watering during extreme heat. Rotating larger plants weekly is also recommended to balance growth and prevent one side from burning or wilting. Feeding houseplants in the hottest part of the day can burn roots, so it's key to get timing right[10].
In hot weather, young plants with an unestablished root system may not recover if left too long without water. Pausing any feeding is necessary during a plant's recovery from heat stress to reduce stress on the plant and damage its roots[11].
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to ensuring your houseplants survive and thrive during the heatwave. Happy gardening!
- To maintain the wellness of your houseplants during a heatwave, consider shifting them away from south or west-facing windows to protect them from the intense sun.
- For better home-and-garden lifestyle, try increasing humidity by opening windows or grouping humidity-loving plants together.
- When adjusting feeding for your plants during a heatwave, be mindful and hold off on fertilizing to reduce plant stress.
- In gardening, remember that different plants have different heat tolerances; opt for sturdy, low-maintenance plants like dragon trees, snake plants, or sedums during the summer heat.
