Protecting houseplants from Saudi Arabia's summer heat

Arab News

7 days ago

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia's intense summer heat, having a houseplant adds a cozy element to homes and can improve owners' health, but caring for them can prove a challenge.
Plants purify the air, reduce stress and create a natural sense of calmness in the middle of the daily hustle and bustle of major cities.
However, as the country is reaching the peak of summer with daytime temperatures soaring above 40 degrees celsius, caring for indoor plants can come with difficulties.
Without suitable care, the summer heat can easily damage thriving indoor gardens.
Arwa Al-Otaibi, a plant owner and botany enthusiast, spoke to Arab News about the impact plants can make on homes, and the proper way to care for them.
'One of the most beautiful and relaxing things is when we visit places filled with plants and nature,' she said.
• According to botany enthusiast Arwa Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort.
• It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed.
'We feel a wonderful sense of comfort, relaxation and calm, so imagine when we see the place we live in filled with plants, and when we own plants in our homes.'
According to Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort. This is felt by farmers, as she describes it, when they touch the leaves and soil, which she says 'significantly reduces cortisol levels.'
Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being.
This is supported by scientific studies, including a 2015 paper in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology which found that subjects felt more 'comfortable, soothed and natural,' and their blood pressure was lowered after transplanting an indoor plant.
Plants can also improve air quality by filtering toxins and increasing humidity in the air, which is essential in Riyadh's dry weather.
Caring for plants teaches 'patience and the slow waiting for results, such as the blossom of flowers and the growing of new leaves,' Al-Otaibi explained.
'This in itself inspires patience and calmness. Taking continuous care of a plant, even if in the small details, yields long-term results.
It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.
Arwa Al-Otaibi, Botany enthusiast
'This is an example that reminds us of the long-term benefits of investing in ourselves, our health, and our relationships,' she added.
It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.
Another point is that summer heat leads to faster evaporation, yet overwatering a plant can also be damaging. It is recommended to use well-draining pots and water early in the morning or after sunset to lower the stress on the plant.
Also, maintaining a cooler temperature inside the house is essential for the growth of plants.
'Another important aspect of plant care in hot weather is ensuring the overall atmosphere in the room,' Al-Otaibi said.
'The appropriate temperature for plants varies depending on the type of plant, but in general, during hot weather, the home temperature should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.
'When leaving the house, there should be some sort of ventilation, like leaving windows slightly open, to refresh the air when the air-conditioning is off.'
Maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the plant is important. Misting leaves with water to protect them from becoming dry, or grouping them together to create a microclimate, could also be beneficial.
In general, taking care of houseplants in Riyadh's intense summer heat can be a challenge, yet it is one can be overcome with proper attention.
Healthy houseplants can elevate the overall atmosphere with greenery creating a beautiful indoor jungle, bringing life into a quiet living room.