Tuesday Tips: Summer Care—Protecting Plants from Excessive Heat

Tuesday Tips: Summer Care—Protecting Plants from Excessive Heat

Because thriving through summer isn’t just about surviving—it’s about helping your houseplants keep their cool while still looking hot.

Wilted leaves, faded color, scorched edges—these aren’t just sun-kissed quirks. They’re early distress signals that your plant is getting cooked. And while some greenery can roll with the summer heat, others wilt at the first blast of hot, dry air.

This week, we’re dialing into the signs of heat stress, the best times to water (hint: set your alarm), and how to create shade and airflow so your plants can chill. Because being a great plant parent in summer means more than daily watering—it means knowing when to pull the blinds and skip the sunbath.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress happens when a plant takes in more heat than it can cool down from—usually due to too much direct sunlight, insufficient water, or stagnant air. It shows up fast and can do major damage if left unchecked.

Common causes include:

• Direct midday sun hitting windows (especially south- or west-facing)

• Overheated rooms with little ventilation

• Infrequent watering or soil that dries out too quickly

• Heat-retaining pots, like dark plastic or metal

Unlike winter damage, which creeps in quietly, heat stress is loud, fast, and often dramatic. But it’s also completely manageable when you catch it early.

How to Know It’s Heat Stress (Not Just a Mood Swing)

Here’s how your plants might be crying out for help when the heat turns up:

Just like us, plants show signs of stress when things get too hot to handle—but instead of sweat and sunburns, they communicate through their leaves, stems, and soil. If you know what to look for, you can catch the signs early and cool things down before lasting damage sets in. Watch for these summer distress signals:

If this list feels a little too familiar, don’t panic—just pivot. These signs are your plant’s way of asking for a little environmental adjustment. A shift in light, airflow, or watering routine can mean the difference between crispy leaves and lush summer growth. If your plant’s giving you the heatwave SOS, it’s time for a plant-saving cooldown.