In many parts of Pakistan, temperatures go above 40 degrees in May and June. Even tough plants can struggle in that heat. Leaves scorch, soil dries in a few hours and pots on hot tiles can bake the roots. These simple habits help your plants get through summer.
Know the signs of heat stress
- Brown, dry patches or crispy leaf edges.
- Leaves that curl, droop or turn pale.
- Soil that dries out completely in a day.
- Flowers and buds that drop early.
Give shade in the afternoon
Morning sun is gentle, but afternoon sun in summer is harsh. Move plants away from hot, west-facing windows and glass, because glass can focus the heat. On a balcony or terrace, a shade net that blocks around 30 to 50 percent of the sun protects leaves without making the spot too dark. Sun-loving plants such as hibiscus, ixora and yucca cope best, but even they like a little relief in the worst weeks.
Water early in the morning
- Water deeply in the early morning so the plant has moisture through the hottest hours.
- If a pot is very dry in the evening, give it a second drink after the heat drops.
- Do not water in the middle of the day. Water on hot soil and leaves can stress the plant.
- Check the soil every day or two in the hottest weeks.
Our watering guide explains the finger test, which works for every plant.
Protect the roots
- Lift pots off hot tiles or concrete with pot feet or a stand.
- Light-coloured pots stay cooler than dark ones. Our planters can help you finish the look.
- Group pots together. They shade each other's roots and keep the air around them a little more humid.
- A layer of mulch, such as dry leaves or coco chips, slows evaporation from the soil.
Avoid these mistakes in extreme heat
- Do not repot or prune hard during the hottest weeks. Wait for cooler weather.
- Do not feed with fertiliser when the plant is stressed.
- Keep indoor plants away from direct blasts from an air conditioner or cooler. Cold, dry air also hurts leaves.
Plants that handle heat well
The baby sun rose is a succulent that enjoys full sun and needs little water. The yucca and the hibiscus like bright light and warm weather. Plants with thin, soft leaves, such as ferns and peace lilies, need shade and regular moisture in summer.
Heat wave emergency checklist
When the forecast shows a very hot spell, do this:
- Move small pots into bright shade, or into a room with light but no direct sun.
- Water deeply early in the morning.
- Put a shade net or a light cloth over plants that cannot be moved.
- Lift pots off hot tiles and concrete.
- Check the soil in the evening, and water again if it is completely dry.
What to do about a wilted plant
- Feel the soil first. If it is dry, water slowly until it drains out of the bottom.
- If the soil is wet, do not water. The roots may be damaged, and more water will make it worse.
- Move the plant to shade for a few days.
- Cut off only leaves that are completely dead, and do not feed the plant until it recovers.
A plant that wilts in the afternoon and recovers in the evening is usually just reacting to the heat. A plant that stays limp in the morning needs help.
Roofs and terraces
Tiles and concrete on a rooftop can become extremely hot. To protect your pots:
- Stand pots on wooden crates, pot feet or a stand.
- Use light-coloured pots, and wrap dark pots in a light cloth.
- Put a shade net over the plants, a metre or so above them, so that air can still move.
- Group pots, and put taller plants on the sunny side to shade smaller ones.
Watch your water
Water from a rooftop tank or a hose lying in the sun can be very hot. Let it run until it is cool before you use it on plants.
Questions people ask
Can I water in the middle of the day?
It is better not to. Water in the early morning, and again in the evening if the pot is completely dry.
Do shaded plants need less water?
Yes. Plants in shade use water more slowly, so check the soil before watering.
Should I mist my plants in the heat?
Misting gives very little relief. Shade, mulch and deep watering work much better.
If a plant is already scorched, move it to a shadier spot and trim only the badly damaged leaves. New growth usually comes back when the weather cools. This is a general guide. If you are worried about a plant, call or WhatsApp us on 03128018787 and we will try to help.