How to Protect Indoor Plants from Summer Heat

Q: "How often should I water plants during a heatwave?"

"Check soil daily and water when the top 1–2 inches are dry. Tropical plants may need more frequent watering in extreme heat."

Q: "Is misting enough to cool my plants in summer?"

"Misting can provide a short-term boost, but it evaporates quickly. For consistent humidity, use a humidifier or pebble tray."

Q: "Can I leave plants in direct sun during summer?"

"Succulents and cacti may tolerate it, but most tropical foliage plants need filtered or indirect light to avoid leaf scorch."

Q: "Which plants are most sensitive to summer heat?"

"Ferns, Calatheas, Marantas, Peace Lily, Anthurium, and many orchids require extra attention and protection."

Q: "What’s the quickest way to protect plants in a sudden heatwave?"

"Move them out of direct sun, close blinds during peak heat, run a humidifier, and water early in the day."

AI Overview

To protect indoor plants from summer heat, move them away from harsh afternoon sun, use sheer curtains to diffuse light, water early or late in the day, check soil moisture daily, and increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. Keep them away from heat sources and provide gentle airflow to prevent leaf scorch and wilting.

🪴 In This Guide 🪴

💚Start Here 🔍Signs of Heat Stress 💧Adjusting Watering for Summer 💦Boosting Humidity in Hot Weather 🌞Managing Summer Sunlight ❄️Cooling Tricks for Plants 🌿Plants Most Sensitive to Heat ✅Quick Summer Plant Care Checklist ❓FAQ

Anastasia Remeslo

A Note From Our Plant Expert

Hello plant lovers! It’s Anastasia here.
Summer brings beautiful long days and bright light, but for our indoor plants, it can also mean sudden stress. I learned this the hard way when my 👉 Calathea orbifolia developed crispy edges overnight after one hot afternoon near a sunny west-facing window.

The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can help your plants thrive all summer. Let’s go through what to watch for and the steps to keep them healthy and happy.

🔍 Signs of Heat Stress

When temperatures rise indoors, plants react fast. Wilting leaves are usually the first warning, especially if they stay limp even after watering. You might also see leaf scorch - brown, crispy spots - especially on plants in direct afternoon sun.

Other signs include:

Crispy edges on tropical foliage
Soil drying out far quicker than usual
Sudden yellowing or leaf drop

If you notice these changes, act quickly. Heat stress can escalate in just a day or two.

💧 Adjusting Watering for Summer

In summer, the golden rule is to check your plants more often. The top inch or two of soil can dry out within hours during a heatwave.

I recommend watering early in the morning or late evening. This gives roots time to absorb moisture before the sun and heat can evaporate it. Use room-temperature water - cold water can shock warm roots.

For a quick reference:

Tropicals: Check daily in extreme heat.
Succulents & cacti: Still let the soil dry fully, but they may need water more often than in winter.

See our 👉 Watering Guide for more tips.

💦 Boosting Humidity in Hot Weather

Air conditioning and hot summer winds can leave your indoor air dry - not ideal for tropical plants like Calatheas, Ferns, and Peace Lilies.

A few easy fixes:

Run a humidifier nearby.
Use pebble trays under pots.
Group plants together to create a natural “humidity bubble.”

For step-by-step methods, see our 👉 Humidity Guide.

🌞 Managing Summer Sunlight

Bright light is wonderful - until it turns into sunburn. West- and south-facing windows can be intense in summer. Use sheer curtains to soften the light, or move plants a little further from the glass.

I like to rotate plants weekly so every side gets even light without overexposure. Also, watch out for reflective surfaces like mirrors or white walls that can amplify sunlight.

❄️ Cooling Tricks for Plants

A few small changes can make a big difference during a heatwave:

Keep plants away from hot air vents, radiators, and electronics.
Use fans on a low setting to gently circulate air.
Close blinds during the hottest part of the day.
Move sensitive plants into cooler rooms temporarily.

Even placing plants on the floor instead of a shelf can lower the surrounding temperature by a few degrees.

🌿 Plants Most Sensitive to Heat

Some plants will handle the summer heat without complaint, but others need extra care.

Most sensitive:

If you own these, keep them in rooms with stable temperatures, higher humidity, and filtered light.

✅ Quick Summer Plant Care Checklist

For a quick heatwave response:

☐ Check soil moisture daily
☐ Move plants away from direct afternoon sun
☐ Increase humidity with trays or humidifiers
☐ Avoid placing plants near AC or vents
☐ Water in early morning or evening
☐ Relocate sensitive species to cooler spots

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water plants during a heatwave?

Check soil daily and water when the top 1–2 inches are dry. Tropical plants may need more frequent watering in extreme heat.

Is misting enough to cool my plants in summer?

Misting can provide a short-term boost, but it evaporates quickly. For consistent humidity, use a humidifier or pebble tray.

Can I leave plants in direct sun during summer?

Succulents and cacti may tolerate it, but most tropical foliage plants need filtered or indirect light to avoid leaf scorch.

Which plants are most sensitive to summer heat?

Ferns, Calatheas, Marantas, Peace Lily, Anthurium, and many orchids require extra attention and protection.

What’s the quickest way to protect plants in a sudden heatwave?

Move them out of direct sun, close blinds during peak heat, run a humidifier, and water early in the day.