How to care for your houseplants in a heatwave: the essential dos and don’ts

As temperatures rise and homes begin to trap the summer heat, houseplants can quickly go from thriving to struggling. While many of us welcome the sunshine, indoor plants – particularly those that prefer cooler or more humid environments - can suffer in hot, dry conditions.

According to Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio, proactive care is key: “While species such as cacti and succulents have adapted to hot, dry environments, many varieties will struggle to thrive in heat, leaving limp leaves, dry soil, and unhappy houseplants.”

To help plants not just survive but thrive during a heatwave, Angharad shares her top tips on the essential dos and don’ts of summer plant care.

Give them a break from the sun

“Just like us, plants can get too much sun.”

What to do:

“Move plants out of direct afternoon sunlight, especially if they’re sitting in south- or west-facing windows. A sheer curtain or partially closed blind can soften the light and protect delicate leaves.”

What to avoid:

“Leaving plants baking on a sunny windowsill all day. Strong sun can scorch leaves, leaving permanent damage.”

Quick tip: “Turn your plants every couple of weeks so they grow evenly instead of leaning towards the light. This avoids them becoming too leggy or uneven in shape.”

Turn up the humidity

“Heatwaves often mean dry air-especially if you’ve got fans or air conditioning running. That’s bad news for tropical plants like ferns and calatheas.”

What to do:

• Mist plants lightly with room-temperature water
• Group plants together to create a more humid mini climate
• Use a pebble tray or even a humidifier if you have one

What to avoid:

“Don’t assume watering alone is enough. Dry air can still cause leaves to crisp up, even if the soil is moist.”

Quick tip: “If your bathroom or kitchen is steamy, your plants might love a temporary move there.”

Water properly (not just more often)

“It’s tempting to water little and often in hot weather-but that’s not actually the best approach.”

What to do:

“Check your plants every few days and water deeply when needed. You want the water to reach the roots, not just dampen the surface.”

What to avoid:

“Sticking to a strict once-a-week routine or giving tiny amounts of water. In heat, that moisture can quickly evaporate before the plant even uses it.”

Easy check: “Stick your finger into the soil and if the top couple of inches feel dry, it’s time to water.”

Keep feeding (but time it right)

” Summer is the key growing season for many houseplants, so while watering often takes centre stage during a heatwave, it’s important not to overlook nutrition.”

What to do:

“Add Baby Bio Houseplant Food to your watering routine to support healthy leaves and strong roots. A steady supply of nutrients will help your plants continue to thrive throughout the summer months.”

What to avoid:

“Don’t feed during the hottest part of the day. This can stress the plant and even cause fertiliser burn.”

Quick tip: “If you have orchids, bonsai, citrus plants or cacti, it’s worth using a specialised Baby Bio feed for each of them. These tailored formulas are designed to deliver exactly the nutrients they need, helping them stay healthy, resilient and thriving, even in hot weather.”

Watch the temperature indoors

“Even inside, temperatures can climb quickly. Conservatories, sunny windowsills and poorly ventilated rooms can become surprisingly hot, creating stressful conditions for many houseplants.”

What to do:

“Keep plants away from hot spots like radiators, direct sun patches, or warm appliances. If possible, move them to a cooler room during the hottest part of the day.”

What to avoid:

“Placing plants right in front of fans or air conditioning. It might feel nice for you, but it can dry plants out fast and create sudden temperature changes that they struggle to cope with.”

Remember: every plant is different

“Not all houseplants react the same way to heat. Understanding where your plants naturally grow can help you provide the right care during hot weather.”

What to do:

“Pay attention to what your specific plants need. Succulents will cope much better than moisture-loving tropical plants, which may need a little extra attention during a heatwave.”

What to avoid:

“Avoid treating everything the same. Overwatering a cactus can be just as harmful as underwatering a fern, so always tailor your care routine to the individual plant.”

The bottom line

“Heatwaves can be tough on houseplants-but they’re not a disaster if you stay one step ahead.

“By paying attention to watering, humidity, light levels and feeding, you can help your plants cope with rising temperatures and reduce the risk of heat-related stress.

“A bit less sun, a bit more humidity, and smarter watering can go a long way in keeping your plants looking their best.

“With a little extra care, your indoor plants won’t just survive the heat – they'll keep on thriving all summer long.”

Ends

Editors notes

Baby Bio® has been feeding Britain’s houseplants for over 70 years. A household favourite for generations, the iconic bottle is instantly recognisable as the nation’s favourite houseplant food – and for good reason. Its trusted formula contains a carefully balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), the essential nutrients plants need for strong roots, vibrant leaves and longer-lasting, brighter blooms. This unique balance helps houseplants not only survive but truly thrive. Having launched into the market seven decades ago with Baby Bio® Houseplant Food, the range has since expanded to include specialist feeds for orchids, citrus, herbs, cacti and bonsai, alongside leaf care products, houseplant insecticides, drip feeders and the popular Baby Bio® Organic Houseplant Food. Loved by generations of plant parents, Baby Bio® continues to provide simple, effective solutions to keep every home filled with healthy, happy plants.