Don't let the summer sun fry your plants. If you're escaping to the office for the sweet relief of air conditioning, spare a thought for your houseplants toughing it out at home. High heat and bright sun can take a toll, but with a few smart tweaks, your green friends can thrive, not just survive.
Here’s how to keep your plants happy, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
🌡️ Overwatering in Heat
It sounds counterintuitive, but hot weather doesn’t mean you should automatically water more. In fact, overwatering is one of the biggest risks in summer, especially for indoor plants in pots without proper drainage. Too much water can lead to root rot, even if the top of the soil feels dry.
Top tips:
- Water deeply, not often: Shallow watering encourages weak roots. Instead, water thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone, then allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Water in the morning: Early watering reduces evaporation and gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat kicks in.
Try this:
- Do the “finger test”, only water when the top 2–3cm of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Consider using a moisture-retentive potting mix (like one with coco coir or vermiculite) to help your plants stay hydrated for longer without overwatering.
☀️Too Much Direct Light
Summer sun can be surprisingly harsh, even indoors. Sunlight through windows can scorch sensitive leaves, and not all plants love full sun during peak hours.
Adjust Light Exposure
- Indoor plants: Move them slightly back from south-facing windows or use sheer curtains to diffuse intense midday light. For light-sensitive plants, switch to an east-facing window.
- Outdoor plants: Use shade cloth or reposition pots to protect them from the harsh midday sun.
🌴Heading Away on Holiday?
Here’s How to Keep Your Plants Happy While You’re Gone:
🧊 1. Keep it Cool → Move plants to a cooler room to reduce evaporation and slow down drying.
🌿 2. Group by Type → Cluster similar plants to create a humid microclimate, great for tropicals.
💧 3. Use Self-Watering Hacks → Try self-watering stakes, globes, or capillary mats to maintain moisture.
🚿 4. Water Deeply Before You Go → Soak plants thoroughly, then let them drain fully. Never leave standing water.
🪴 5. Boost Humidity with Pebble Trays → Place pots on trays filled with pebbles + shallow water (without letting pots touch the water).
❌Common Mistakes to avoid
- Poor drainage: Make sure pots aren't sitting in saucers of stagnant water, this can cause root rot.
- Sudden moves: Transition indoor plants outdoors gradually. A quick shift can shock them.
- Feeding stressed plants: If your plant is wilting from heat, skip the fertiliser until it recovers.
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