THEThe heat is a problem for plants. The high temperatures during the day, and sometimes even at night, put them to the test and dry leaves and dry roots are the order of the day. So how should we behave when temperatures rise? And which are the plants that tolerate the heat better?
Plants in summer, why do they wither?
But let’s start from the beginning: why do plants wither in summer? «The main cause of the withering of plants in summer is given by theevaporation of water. Because of the high temperatures the phenomenon, both from the leaves and from the soil, increases significantly, and this creates states of dehydration. Plants lose their moisture and roots cannot absorb water from the soil.
Thus they wither, and in times of hot, dry weather, especially in windy conditions, the dehydration process is accentuated and their health is compromised» explain from Interflora.
Furthermore, high temperatures cause plant cells to collapse. Normally in the heat the plants perspire so as to lower their temperature and cool down, a mechanism possible thanks to the presence of water. When, however, to perform this function, the plant consumes a greater quantity of water than that absorbed by the roots, an internal water imbalance occurs which leads to withering.
How to revive a plant withered by the heat
What to do when a plant has withered due to the sun? “First of all you have to protect the plant from direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours. Then with a sprayer fresh water can be sprayed lightly on the leaves so as to reduce the surface temperature.
If desired, an alternative can also be used, the mulchingi.e. mulching. It is an extremely widespread practice in agriculture and consists inapply a layer of organic material, repeatedly shredded leaves and grass, to the base of the plant. In this way there is a natural fertilization that avoids evaporation, helping the soil to maintain humidity, and therefore the freshest roots explain by Interflora.
Should we fertilize plants in summer?
So do you need to fertilize in the summer? “Summer is a season where plants often require an extra supply of nutrients due to increased growth and vegetative activity. For example, potted or garden plants can be fertilized every 2-4 weeks during the season. But the needs vary according to the plants. In any case it is very important that after the fertilization phase they receive an adequate supply of water. This way it will be much easier to make sure that all the nutrients are distributed evenly in the soil without burning the roots».
Plants in summer: the basic rules of watering
If it is true that each plant has its own watering needs, it is equally true that all, much or little, need water. As the Interflora experts suggest, however, there are some general rules to keep in mind: «It’s important increase the frequency of watering, at least three times a week and preferring the early morning or in the evening after sunset: the hottest hours must be avoided so that the water cannot evaporate rapidly and the soil is kept as humid as possible».
But also beware of excessive watering: if in fact it is necessary to increase the frequency, one must go with caution with the quantities because if you water too much, you risk rotting the roots or fueling the appearance of fungi. “A good way to tell if plants or flowers need water is to make sure the earth is always a little damp.”
Watering every day: yes or no?
It is therefore not said that it is necessary to water every day. As specified by Interflora, watering needs depend on many factors, first of all if it is a plant that needs a lot of water or less. But not only.
«It also depends on the type of soil and the size of the pot. Some plants, such as succulents or desert plants, are adapted to dry climates and require less water. Others, such as tropical ones or those in flower, may require a greater quantity”.
How to deal with plants that require little water
What to do if you go on vacation? Are there plants easier to manage in this period? Yes, for example all fat and succulent ones are ideal. But they are not the only ones the photos and the sansevieria are also very suitable.
Succulents need little water because they grow in dry and arid environments like deserts and manage to “set it aside”, therefore ideal during the summer holidays. Equally easy to manage in these months is the pothos: if in winter he can go even 10 days without drinking, in summer it also reaches 5 days.
Another easy plant is the kentia: needs little water, once a week, but a lot of non-direct light. Also don’t forget the ficus: does not like winter, woe to go below 13°C, on the other hand, however, in summer it is “self-sufficient”, just water it once a month. He has only one wish: to be turned from time to time, so that the sun reaches every part of him.
Sansevieria beats almost every record: in summer it can even stay two weeks between one watering and anothereven a whole month in winter, it tolerates indirect light very well and even more so slightly dark rooms. In short, it is truly the ideal plant if you go on holiday.
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