Our pets and wildlife are not the only things we need to look after on those hot days - the Australian heat is brutal on all living things, including our favourite plants which can wilt (or worse!) in hot conditions whether they be inside or outdoors.
One of the reason our plants struggle during the summer is lack of water, but there are also other factors to consider.
Did you know? Most plants in Australia can only take up to 32°C before they become stressed out by heat.
How do you recognise heat stress in your plants?
Signs of stress during the summer months are often because of too much heat and not enough water. The best way you can identify heat stress is by:
- Foliage that's typically bright green or vibrant looking pale
- Tender leaves of tropical plants wilting with exposure to too much heat
- Sunburn can often look like a rough brown or yellow patch on leaves/stems
- Flowers and leaves dropping off or yellowing.
Ways to water (and ways not to)
- Water can evaporate before it even reaches the plant!
- Frequent light watering van cause your plants to have shallow roots, making them less resilient.
- Watering in the evening can leave water on the plants for longer which can lead to fungal infections.
- The best time to water your plants are during the late afternoon or early morning.
Don't remove damaged foliage
As sick as your plant may look, all the brown leaves and branches that have been damaged by the sun provide protection against additional damage and could actually be holding onto living tissue.
Plant to suit your climate:
When planting, check the how large the plant will grow, whether it is suitable for the conditions, and make sure it is not on the weed list!
Don't forget our hardy Australian natives – not only do they suit local climate conditions, but they also provide great food and habitat for our animals and insects.
Some natives include:
- Banksias
- Wattles
- Grevilleas
- Hakea
- Bottlebrush
