UAE didn't use to be known for its heatwaves, but we've quickly gone from 'it's the hottest summer since 1928' to 'it's the hottest summer on record since last year.' Every year, temperatures continue to soar across nearly all northern hemispheres. While it means uncomfortable sleep for humans, spare a thought for those poor miniature houseplants.
Of course, some plants are heat-loving lunatics, such as succulents and cacti, and are perfectly capable of surviving high temperatures outdoors. However, houseplants are not accustomed to extreme changes in heat - including your indoor succulents and cacti! Though don't panic - your plants aren't doomed to turn yellow and wilt by September, as there are plenty of things you can do before the heat hits and during to make sure your plants power through till autumn.
Don't give them a bath.
Your houseplants during a heatwave are going to look parched at some point during the summer, no matter how well you keep an eye on them. Unfortunately, there's a tendency to overcompensate and give your plant an excellent overwatering when you notice some wilting, leaving them sitting in water under the assumption that because they were dryer than usual, they'll eventually soak it all up. Wrong. Leaving the roots floating in water will cause them to rot over time, and wet conditions are perfect breeding grounds for flies.
Water correctly and efficiently.
Even outside of a heatwave, one of the leading plant killers for incorrectly tending for them is not just overwatering but watering incorrectly. During a heatwave, this problem is ramped up to the max, as the heat and sun cause the water to evaporate from the soil at much faster rates. So, when watering your houseplant, make sure it's deep; if you water too quickly, moisture rests on top of the soil, while the rest tumbles down the side of your pot (inside) and straight out the bottom soaking the roots only.
Make sure the plant is absorbing the water gradually and allow the plant to soak up excess water in a bowl for 20 minutes after. Also, make sure you soak the soil instead of spraying the surface over a few minutes. A moisture meter is a great device to invest in over the summer, or if you're feeling old school, you can always do the finger test (water when the soil feels dry at 1-2″ down for most plants). If the water after 20 minutes has been fully absorbed, the plant might need more – so go in for another soak.
... Even MORE water advice
You've probably figured it out already, but one of the downsides of a heatwave is plants not getting enough water. Weird that huh? It's not just how you water, of course, but where.
Make sure you water the soil rather than the foliage, as in heat, the water will just evaporate off the leaves and never reach the roots. And although humans love cold water on a hot day, watering a plant with ice-cold liquid during a heatwave can do more damage than good, so make sure your water is at room temperature.
Finally, water your plants in the morning or evening, and never during the middle of the day. Water during the day evaporates way quicker, and the roots, if the water in the sun, will start to move towards the surface, searching for water that's not making it to the bottom.
Humidity not Stupidity
Many of our favorite houseplants like high humidity levels. Many of the UAE's best sellers come from tropical locations (epiphytes and tropical types such as Fittonia, Calathea, and ferns). Because of this, it's vital that we 'mist' them regularly throughout extended periods of solid heat.
In much the same way humans can feel rehydrated through water on the skin, plants can also benefit when watering the foliage. You can also help a plant with humidity issues by filling a shallow dish with pebbles and water and placing your pot on top to create a humid microclimate that provides humidity.
Throwing shade
It's not only your uncle on a beach who gets ridiculously sunburnt over the summer, as plants also suffer in the sunshine. When positioning your plants in your flat, think of where the sun moves throughout the day and if any of them will be in direct sunlight for long periods. For example, plants in south and west-facing windows will get an extreme vitamin D level during the day's heat. If you're going to work, it's best to shut those curtains and let them rest in the shade.
Plants aren't fans of fans.
For us humans in the UAE, an AC system is becoming more and more enticing as the heat rises into the summer months. Still, it's a bit of a death sentence for plants in the house, at least when placed directly in front of one. If you're worried about your green friends in the heat, you may think moving one in front of a fan will cool it down during the day. But many plants - especially tropical ones - don't work well with dry, cold air on their foliage, so placing a fan (or worse, an AC unit) will deny your plant the room temperature and moisture it needs to thrive. Having plants in a room with a fan will be fine but try not to put them in the same vicinity as one another. As stated before, it's better for plants (and humans) to avoid the blazing sun by closing the curtains or blinds.
