The Met Office has issued an “Extreme Heat” warning for this weekend and the rest of the week is set to be high 20C at least.
Estimates suggest that the country will be bathed in 33C rays on Sunday and Monday, with some predictions even getting close to 40C during the heatwave.
It’s going to be very hot and while most of us are concerned with how we are going to get ourselves to the other side of the heatwave, many are also concerned for their poor little houseplants.
Are they looking a little more dead than you’d like? As it turns out, you might be watering them at the wrong time during the heatwave.
Thanks to Oliver Hill, founder of GardenList, here are some insights on how to keep your houseplants alive
When is it best to water houseplants?
Heatwaves will require more preparation and planning to keep your houseplants alive, and the time of day you choose to do it will help.
As it turns out, watering them when the temperature is at its lowest during the day will make all the difference.
As Oliver states: “One of the most important things you can do is to water your plants at the right time.
“The best times to water your plants are in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its hottest.
“Watering your plants during the day can cause the water to evaporate before it has a chance to reach the roots.”
How else to help your houseplants during the heatwave?
One trap many people will fall into it over-watering them in a desperate attempt to keep your little green buddies alive.
Resist that urge because over-watering them can be just as damaging as under-watering them.
Oliver continues: “Another tip is to make sure you're not over-watering your plants. This can be a problem in the heat, as the soil can dry out very quickly. Only water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch.
“If you have any plants that are wilting, you can try giving them a misting of water. This will help to cool them down and revive them.”
Where you position your plants is also crucial, as most need to be in direct sunlight for the majority of the day.
Oliver added: “Finally, make sure you're giving your plants enough light. Many plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day. If your plants are not getting enough light, they may start to wilt and droop.”
Of course, these tips may vary from plant to plant, so it is a good idea to double check your specific houseplant and see what it needs.
