The first heat wave of the year is already here. It has come as a surprise, and sooner than it usually does. And that forces us to take measures to face this first onslaught of temperatures at a time of year in which we are not too used to it. In addition to buying a ceiling fan or a portable air conditioner, we must also consider how we should protect our plants against the rise of the thermometer.
Find the perfect place for your plants
With the arrival of the heat wave, and if you want your plants to survive the rise in temperatures, it is important find the place in the house where they can best deal with it. In addition to closing windows and lowering blinds so that direct light does not enter, it is important to place them in a place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight, with some light, but without being affected by the rays.
On the hottest days, you can group plants in the bathroom, and even in the bathtub. If you leave home and have the plants inside the bathtub, you can place them on some bricks or on a turned plate, and pour about 5 centimeters of water so that the plants can absorb it. In addition, if they are tropical plants, you can also spray them with the shower.
Irrigation, key
Just like human beings, we must drink plenty of water when there are episodes of high temperatures to hydrate ourselves properly, plants also need more water than usual to survive.
With the heat wave, and although each species requires different care, the truth is that in general the plants will need more water than usual. In this sense it is important make deep irrigations so that the water reaches the roots when you press your finger against the soil and see that it feels dry, watering slowly so that the soil absorbs the liquid, and without getting puddled.
You should also keep in mind that you have to water first thing in the morning, or at nightfall. Watering during the hours of greatest insolation can cause damage to plants due to the magnifying effect that the sun’s rays cause in the drops. If you don’t have time to water, you can buy an automatic irrigation system (14.99 euros).
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In addition, you can spray water on the leaves to keep them fresh (be careful, because there are species that do not tolerate this humidity). For plants to optimize water and nutrients, it is also important remove dry branches and leaves, and withered flowers.
If you have plants on the terrace or balcony, try to place them high up to prevent the heat given off by the ground from passing into the pot. A shelf (39.99 euros), a base (24.51 euros), or a macramé pot hanger (12.99 euros for a pack of 2) will be of great help.
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Bring the plants indoors
If you have pots on the windowsill, on the patio, or on the porch, try to bring them inside the house during the hours of greatest sun exposure. There are streets in many cities with direct sunlight that are a real oven for plants, especially for the most delicate ones.
Put stones in the pot
For the plants to retain moisture, a very simple trick is to put a small layer of stones (12.97 euros) on the substrate. Thus, in addition to retaining moisture, you will get the heat to reach the roots.
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In summer it is convenient to try to create a corner as cool and humid as possible for potted plants. Gathering them all in a shady part of your deck can be a great idea, as it will be easier for you to water them all at once.
Avoid sticking plants to the wall
The walls radiate heat (especially if they get direct sunlight). And that heat passes to the plants. So in the hottest moments, separate them from the walls so that the air circulates better.
In Decosphere | 11 Hardy, Easy-Care Houseplants That Are Perfect for the Home
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