How to keep houseplants perky during a heatwave

Keeping those indoor plants green and glorious…

With parts of the UK facing temperatures soaring up to 30°C, paired with intense storms and sticky humidity, it’s not just people who are feeling the heat, houseplants are under serious stress too.

A yellow heat-health alert is in place across several regions including London, the South East, and East of England, as forecasters warn of rising temperatures and an unusually hot summer ahead.

ATV Today Gardening consulted with Beards & Daisies, one of the UK’s leading houseplant companies, to offer essential advice for keeping your indoor jungle alive and thriving. Their lead horticultural expert, Connor Towning, shares his best practical strategies to help your houseplants cope with extreme heat and unpredictable conditions.

High temperatures combined with storms can shock plants. These conditions can lead to rapid soil drying, causing roots to struggle, scorched foliage from intense mid‑day sun and fluctuating indoor humidity, especially when fans or AC units are used.

House plants / Beards & Daisies

Top 6 Strategies to Keep Houseplants Happy:

Provide shade & avoid sun scorch – Move plants off direct afternoon sun, especially near south/west-facing windows. Use light blinds or sheer curtains. Connor Towning, lead horticultural expert at Beards & Daisies, advises: “Treat plants like people – you wouldn’t sit in full sun midday, so shift them into indirect light or shade zones to prevent scorching.”

Monitor soil moisture – Check the top 5 cm of soil daily. Water deeply when dry, better than frequent shallow sprinkles. “If the compost feels dry an inch down, give it a good soak until water drains from the pot base” Connor recommends.

Increase humidity – Heat plus dry air from fans or AC stresses many houseplants. Connor suggests: “Group humidity-loving plants together, use pebble trays, or lightly mist them in the morning. It protects against crisp leaf edges.”

Move plants away from radiators & vents – Avoid dry heat sources, keep a comfortable distance from radiators, hot air registers, or warm walls.

Adjust feeding schedule – Warm weather boosts growth, but feeding in the hottest part of the day can burn roots. Connor says: “Feed in the early morning or evening with a diluted houseplant fertiliser, let plants absorb nutrients before heat kicks in.”

Rotate pots – Rotation helps even sun exposure. Connor adds: “Turn round larger plants weekly, this encourages balanced growth and prevents one side from burning or wilting.”

Advanced Tips: Drainage & airflow: Consider potting in lighter mixes (e.g. peat‑free blends) and repot if soil is compacted. Good airflow reduces heat stress. Watch pests: Heat-stressed plants are vulnerable to mealybugs or spider mites, inspect them regularly and treat them early.

Long-Term Preparation: Match plants to their spots: Succulents can handle sun; ferns and Calatheas prefer cooled, humid rooms like bathrooms. Have humidity aids at the ready: Grab a mister, pebble tray, or small humidifier before temperatures spike. Monitor forecasts.