Article: How to Care for Houseplants During a Heatwave: A UK Guide
How to Care for Houseplants During a Heatwave: A UK Guide
Hot weather can be surprisingly tough on houseplants. Even plants that love warmth can struggle when rooms become dry, bright and stuffy during a UK heatwave.
The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference. The main things to watch are light, watering, humidity and airflow.
Heatwave essentials for houseplants
Keep watering simple with our watering cans, help plants through dry spells with Pepin Hydrating Ollas and browse our Indoor Plant Care collection.
Move plants out of harsh direct sun
Bright summer light can be much stronger than your plants are used to, especially through glass. Leaves can scorch quickly if plants are sitting in hot, direct sun for too long.
If you notice pale patches, brown marks or crispy edges, move the plant slightly further into the room or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Good to know: even cacti and succulents can scorch if they are suddenly exposed to intense sun after sitting in lower light.
Check watering more often
During hot weather, compost can dry out much faster than usual. This does not mean you should water everything every day, but it does mean you should check more regularly.
For most foliage plants, push your finger into the compost by around an inch. If it feels dry, it is probably time to water.
Remove the plant from its decorative pot, water thoroughly from the top and allow excess water to drain away before putting it back.
If you're unsure, our guide on how to water houseplants explains the basics.
Top tip: plants on shelves, in hanging pots or near windows often dry out first because heat rises and air movement is stronger.
Use watering aids carefully
If you are away for a few days or have plants that dry out quickly, watering aids can be very useful.
Pepin Hydrating Ollas slowly release water into the compost as the plant needs it, helping to keep moisture levels steadier during warm weather.
They are especially useful for thirstier plants or larger pots, but they are not a replacement for checking your plants. Always make sure the compost is not staying constantly wet.
Increase humidity where needed
Many houseplants come from warm, humid environments, so dry heat can cause stress. This is especially true for plants such as Calatheas, ferns, Begonias and Marantas.
A plant mister can give a short-term humidity boost, but misting is not a miracle fix. For longer-lasting humidity, group plants together or use a pebble tray.
To make a pebble tray, fill a shallow dish with pebbles, grit or clay balls, add water just below the top of the stones and place the plant on top. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant without leaving the pot sitting in water.
Worth knowing: avoid misting in strong direct sun, as water droplets on leaves can contribute to scorching.
Keep feeding simple
Spring and summer are the main growing seasons for most houseplants. During this time, they use up nutrients in the compost and may benefit from regular feeding.
For most foliage plants, use a general houseplant feed during the growing season. We recommend Liquid Gold Leaf to support healthy growth.
However, if a plant is badly stressed by heat, hold off feeding until it has recovered. Feeding a struggling plant will not fix heat damage and can sometimes add more stress.
Do not repot during a heatwave
A heatwave is usually not the best time to repot houseplants. Repotting disturbs the roots and the plant may already be under stress from heat, dry air or strong sun.
Unless the plant urgently needs attention, wait until temperatures return to normal before repotting.
If you are planning to repot, read our guide on repotting your plants first.
Watch for signs of heat stress
Your plants will usually tell you if they are struggling.
Common signs of heat stress include:
- Wilting even when the compost is moist
- Crispy brown leaf edges
- Scorched or bleached patches on leaves
- Leaves curling inwards
- Compost drying out much faster than usual
- Sudden yellowing or leaf drop
If you spot these signs, move the plant out of direct sun, check the compost and improve humidity or airflow where possible.
What about darker rooms during summer?
Plants in very bright rooms often struggle with heat and sun, but plants in darker rooms have different needs. They may dry out more slowly, even during warm weather.
Always check the compost rather than watering to a schedule. A plant in a hot sunny room and a plant in a darker hallway may need completely different care.
If a plant is in a darker space and you want to support growth, a discreet grow light such as our Mushroom Grow Light can help provide more consistent light.
Frequently asked questions
Should I water my houseplants every day during a heatwave?
No. Some plants may need watering more often, but daily watering can quickly lead to root rot. Always check the compost first.
Should I mist my plants in hot weather?
Misting can help briefly, especially for humidity-loving plants, but it is not a long-term fix. Grouping plants together or using a pebble tray usually works better.
Can houseplants get sunburn?
Yes. Strong direct sun through glass can scorch leaves, especially on tropical foliage plants that prefer bright, indirect light.
Should I feed houseplants during a heatwave?
If the plant is healthy and actively growing, feeding is fine. If the plant is stressed, wilting or damaged, wait until it has recovered.
Is it okay to repot plants in hot weather?
It is usually better to wait. Repotting can stress the roots, so avoid doing it during extreme heat unless absolutely necessary.
Your Houseplant Heatwave Checklist
- Move sensitive plants out of harsh direct sun
- Check compost more often, but do not water blindly
- Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away
- Keep an eye on hanging plants and plants on high shelves
- Increase humidity for ferns, Calatheas, Begonias and Marantas
- Avoid repotting during extreme heat
- Hold off feeding plants that are visibly stressed
- Watch for scorched leaves, crispy edges and sudden wilting
Keep Your Plants Happy in the Heat
A UK heatwave can be challenging for houseplants, but most will cope well with a little extra attention. Check them more often, move them away from harsh sun and adjust your watering depending on the conditions in your home.
For useful summer plant care essentials, browse our Indoor Plant Care collection, our watering cans, Pepin Hydrating Ollas and plant misters.