How to Keep Your Plants and Flowers Fresh During a Heatwave: Expert Tips

As the UK continues to experience soaring summer temperatures, our beloved houseplants and fresh flowers are feeling the heat. With soil drying out faster and stems starting to droop, keeping greenery thriving indoors is becoming a warm-weather challenge.

Recent search trends show a 35% increase in phrases like “plant is dying” but there’s good news. With just a few seasonal care tweaks, your plants and flowers can stay fresh, flourishing, and fabulous.

In light of this, Keira Kay, Plant Expert at Bloom & Wild shares her top five reasons to switch to bottom watering this summer, how to revive bouquets and greenery during summer as well as what plants thrive during the summer time.

The Plant Expert’s Secret Weapon: Bottom Watering

1. It avoids water runoff and shallow watering
   In hot weather, soil can become compacted or hydrophobic – meaning it repels water. Top watering often results in runoff, missing the roots entirely. Bottom watering draws water up through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball gets a deep, even soak. It’s especially useful for thirsty plants like Monstera and Bird of Paradise.
2. It supports root strength and development
   Watering from the bottom encourages roots to grow downward, strengthening the plant overall. Fast-growing summer favourites like Philodendrons, Pothos and Peace Lilies especially benefit from this deep-rooting support.
3. It prevents leaf damage and reduces mould risk
   Splashing water on leaves can encourage mildew, pests and even rot particularly in heat. Sensitive varieties like Calatheas, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and African Violets stay healthier when watered from below, as their leaves remain dry and undisturbed.
4. It reduces shock and temperature stress
   Pouring cold water onto warm soil can shock roots. Bottom watering lets plants hydrate more gradually, making it a gentler option for delicate varieties like Ferns, Peperomia, and Maidenhair Ferns.
5. It builds a better watering rhythm
   Because bottom watering soaks the soil more thoroughly, it extends the time between waterings ideal for heatwaves or holidays. Succulents, ZZ Plants and Snake Plants especially thrive on this kind of consistent, root-friendly routine.

How to Bottom Water Your Houseplants:

• Place your plant (in a pot with drainage holes) into a shallow bowl or sink with 2–3 inches of water
• Leave it for 15–30 minutes or until the topsoil feels damp
• Empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot
• Water every 2–3 weeks or alternate with top watering if needed

How to Revive Bouquets from the Heat

Even cut flowers can suffer in summer. “Just like us, flowers get floppy when they’re hot and dehydrated,” explains Keira. “Luckily, they bounce back quickly with the right care.” Here are four expert tips to revive wilted bouquets:

1. Trim stems at an angle
   Cut 3–5cm off each stem at a diagonal before placing them in water. This increases the surface area for water absorption and helps flowers perk up fast.
2. Give them a big drink
   Rehydrate tired stems in cool, clean water straight away. Check vase water levels daily—bouquets drink more in the heat.
3. Refresh vase water regularly
   Warm temperatures encourage bacteria growth, which shortens vase life. Change the water every two days and trim stems by 1cm to keep them fresh.
4. Keep them cool
   Avoid sunny windowsills or direct heat sources. Flowers last longer in cooler spots like a shaded table or sideboard.

Expert Tips: Keeping Greenery Happy in a Heatwave

In addition to bottom watering and flower revival tricks, Bloom & Wild recommends these general plant-care strategies for hot weather:

• Water early or late: Avoid watering at midday, when evaporation is highest
• Avoid harsh sun: Move plants out of direct sunlight, or use sheer curtains
• Create humidity: Group plants together or place a tray of water nearby
• Mist lightly: Helps tropical plants, but avoid misting fuzzy leaves
• Go easy on the feed: Dilute fertiliser or pause feeding if plants seem stressed

Bloom & Wild’s Heatwave-Ready Houseplant Picks:

If you’re gifting greenery or growing your indoor jungle, these plants are especially suited to survive the heat:

• Snake Plant – virtually indestructible, thrives in low light
• Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera) – bold, beautiful and fast-growing
• String of Hearts – delicate and decorative trailing leaves
• Peace Lily – air-purifying and humidity-loving
• ZZ Plant – sleek, sculptural and forget-proof

Keira Kay adds:

“A houseplant isn’t just a decoration—it’s a gesture of care. It says ‘I’m thinking of you,’ whether it’s for someone’s new home or for yourself. At Bloom & Wild, we believe in greenery that fits into real lives – minimal effort, maximum beauty.”