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How to Care for Your Plants in a Heatwave: Essential Tips for Hot Weather

By Andrew Flynn

How to Care for Your Plants in a Heatwave: Essential Tips for Hot Weather

🌞 How to Care for Your Plants in a Heatwave: Essential Tips for Hot Weather

As summer temperatures rise, your indoor and outdoor plants can suffer from heat stress, dehydration, and sun damage. A heatwave can be especially tough on your leafy friends. At POTR, we’re here to help you keep your houseplants healthy, hydrated, and thriving—even in extreme heat. 

Here’s your go-to guide on how to care for plants during a heatwave.

1. Watering Plants in Hot Weather: Do It Right

Watering is the most important task during a heatwave—but timing and technique matter.

  • Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and let roots absorb moisture efficiently.

  • Water deeply, not just frequently. Ensure the water reaches the root zone, especially for potted plants.

  • Test before you water: Insert your finger into the soil. If it's dry 1–2 inches down, it’s time to hydrate.

🌿 POTR self-watering pots make heatwave care easier by storing water in a hidden reservoir. Your plant drinks when it needs to—no guesswork required!

2. Protect Plants from Direct Sunlight and Heat Stress

Too much sun can burn your plant’s leaves and dry them out fast.

  • Move plants away from harsh, direct sunlight, especially in south-facing windows or balconies.

  • Use light-filtering curtains or blinds to soften intense midday rays.

  • Outdoors? Create temporary shade using garden fabric ornumbrellas. 

3. Keep Houseplants Cool Without Shock

Sudden temperature shifts can shock plants.

  • Avoid placing them near hot windows or direct airflow from fans or AC units.

  • Group plants together to increase local humidity, which helps tropical plants thrive. 

  • Consider misting plants lightly in the early morning—but not during peak heat, which can scorch wet leaves.

4. Pause Fertilising During a Heatwave

Even if your plants are growing, resist the urge to fertilise in extreme heat. Added nutrients can stress already vulnerable roots. Wait until temperatures drop before resuming feeding.

5. Spot the Signs of Heat-Stressed Plants

Don’t ignore these warning signs your plant is too hot:

  • Wilting or limp leaves

  • Crispy brown edges or yellowing

  • Leaf drop or stunted growth

  • Dry or cracked soil, even after watering

Act quickly: relocate to a shaded spot, check moisture levels, and trim any sun-damaged foliage.

Heatwave-Proof Your Plant Care with POTR

Plant care in hot weather doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right watering routine, shading strategy, and tools like our eco-friendly self-watering pots, your plants can stay green, hydrated, and healthy—even during heatwaves.

Bonus: Best Plants for Hot Weather

Some houseplants are naturally more resilient in high temperatures. Consider these low-maintenance favourites:

  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

  • Aloe Vera

  • Jade Plant

  • Ponytail Palm

These plants tolerate heat and drought better—perfect for hot summers or less frequent watering.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Plants Cool & Happy This Summer

Whether you’re growing herbs on your balcony or styling your living room with houseplants, heatwave plant care is all about hydration, shade, and stress prevention. With POTR’s sustainable self-watering planters, you can enjoy peace of mind—and your plants can enjoy a cool drink, exactly when they need it.