Indoor flowers bring so much life and color inside, but summer heat can sometimes be tough on them. I’ve noticed how a few of my favorites get a little stressed when the temperature rises.
Luckily, there are simple ways to help these sensitive blooms stay happy and healthy through the hottest days. With a bit of extra attention, your indoor garden can keep thriving no matter the weather.
Let me share which flowers need the most care and how to give them the boost they deserve!
1. African Violets
These fuzzy-leaved beauties absolutely hate hot, direct sunlight that scorches their delicate foliage. When temperatures climb above 80°F, their growth slows dramatically and flowering may stop altogether.
Move them to east-facing windows during summer months and use sheer curtains to filter intense light. Mist the air around them (never the leaves directly) and place on humidity trays filled with pebbles and water to create a cooler microclimate.
2. Gardenias
Notorious divas of the plant world, gardenias suffer tremendously when summer heat strikes. Their glossy leaves turn yellow, buds drop before opening, and their heavenly scent becomes just a memory.
Increase humidity by grouping with other plants or using a small humidifier nearby. Morning sun only is best during summer – move them away from windows in the afternoon. Water consistently when the top inch of soil feels dry, and never let them sit in drafty areas.
3. Begonias
Summer’s intense rays can quickly burn begonia’s thin, delicate leaves, especially the fancy rex varieties with their stunning patterns. When stressed by heat, their normally perky stems droop dramatically, and leaf edges crisp up like autumn leaves.
Create a shady retreat by moving them away from south-facing windows. Increase watering frequency but avoid wetting the foliage. A shallow tray of water placed nearby (not under the pot) helps maintain humidity without promoting root rot.
4. Cyclamen
Summer is actually dormancy time for these winter-flowering beauties. High temperatures send cyclamen into a stressed sleep state where leaves yellow and fall off – perfectly normal but alarming if you don’t expect it!
Reduce watering gradually as temperatures rise, allowing the plant to enter dormancy naturally. Store in a cool basement or north-facing window until temperatures drop in fall. Don’t fertilize during this rest period, and don’t panic when foliage disappears – it’s part of their natural cycle.
5. Peace Lilies
Despite their tropical origins, peace lilies hate excessive heat that causes their dramatic white spathes to turn brown prematurely. The glossy leaves lose their shine and develop crispy edges when summer temperatures soar.
Mist frequently or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Keep them away from air conditioning vents that create dry spots. Increase watering frequency but ensure excellent drainage – peace lilies hate both drought and soggy feet during hot weather.
6. Orchids
Most popular indoor orchids (especially Phalaenopsis) struggle when temperatures exceed 85°F. Their thick leaves become floppy and soft, while developing flower buds might blast (die before opening) from heat stress.
Create air movement with a small fan nearby, but never blowing directly on the plants. Move them away from windows during peak afternoon heat. Consider a cool shower in the bathroom sink weekly – the temporary humidity boost helps them cope with summer’s challenges.
7. Hydrangeas
When grown indoors, potted hydrangeas suffer quickly from summer heat that causes their magnificent blooms to wilt dramatically. The large leaves act like solar panels, absorbing too much heat and losing moisture rapidly.
Morning sun only is crucial during summer months. Increase watering frequency but avoid overhead sprinklers that promote powdery mildew in hot weather. Consider moving them outdoors to a shaded porch where evening temperatures drop – they’ll thank you with renewed vigor.
8. Poinsettias
Few people realize poinsettias can be year-round houseplants, but summer heat makes these Christmas favorites drop leaves faster than a pine tree in January. Their colorful bracts fade quickly when exposed to hot, dry conditions.
Relocate to a north-facing window during summer months. Water thoroughly when the surface feels dry, but never let them sit in drainage water. Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness – summer is actually the perfect time for pruning these holiday classics.
9. Kalanchoe
While technically succulents, flowering kalanchoes struggle in intense summer heat that causes their normally long-lasting blooms to shrivel prematurely. Their thick leaves store water, but extreme temperatures override this natural defense mechanism.
Move away from south-facing windows in summer. Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, about half as frequently as in cooler months. Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from wasting energy in hot conditions.
10. Azaleas
Indoor azaleas throw spectacular tantrums when summer heat strikes. Their shallow root systems dry out rapidly, causing flowers to shrivel and leaves to drop in dramatic fashion.
Create a cool microclimate by grouping with other plants away from heat sources. Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy – checking daily during heat waves. A weekly bath in the sink (submerging just the pot, not the foliage) ensures thorough hydration during critical hot periods.
11. Gloxinias
Summer’s intensity causes these velvety-flowered beauties to collapse dramatically. Their fuzzy leaves scorch easily in direct sun, and high temperatures prevent the formation of their trumpet-shaped blooms.
Filter all sunlight through sheer curtains during summer months. Increase ambient humidity with groupings of plants or small humidifiers. Water from below by placing in a shallow dish for 30 minutes, then removing – keeping water off those sensitive fuzzy leaves prevents unsightly spotting.
12. Anthurium
Despite tropical origins, anthuriums hate excessive heat that causes their waxy, heart-shaped blooms to curl and brown at the edges. Their glossy leaves lose luster and develop yellow patches when temperatures soar consistently above 85°F.
Increase humidity with regular misting or a small humidifier. Move away from windows during peak afternoon heat. Feed less frequently during summer months – heat-stressed plants can’t process nutrients efficiently and fertilizer can burn sensitive roots.
13. Cineraria
These daisy-like bloomers collapse dramatically when summer temperatures rise. Their fuzzy foliage wilts pathetically, and their vibrant flowers fade faster than ice cream on a hot sidewalk.
Treat cinerarias as temporary guests during summer – they’re cool-season plants that naturally decline in heat. Move to the coolest room in your home, ideally below 70°F. Water consistently but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot that heat accelerates.
14. Fuchsias
Summer heat makes hanging fuchsias drop their dangling, ballerina-like blooms almost overnight. Their delicate stems wilt dramatically, and leaf edges crisp up like they’ve been hit with a miniature flamethrower.
Relocate to an east-facing window for morning sun only. Increase watering frequency but ensure excellent drainage – check daily during heat waves. Consider moving outdoor hanging baskets inside during extreme heat – they make excellent temporary houseplants in a cool, bright bathroom.
15. Primroses
Summer heat sends indoor primroses into immediate decline. Their rosette-shaped foliage flattens against the soil in protest, and their cheerful clusters of blooms wither faster than you can say “spring flowers.”
Accept their seasonal nature – primroses naturally go dormant in summer heat. Reduce watering gradually as they decline, and move to a cool basement or garage. Consider composting after flowering and purchasing fresh plants next spring – they’re rarely worth the effort of summer maintenance.
16. Streptocarpus
These cape primrose relatives develop sad, limp leaves when summer temperatures rise. Their normally prolific tubular flowers refuse to develop, and existing blooms shrivel prematurely in protest of the heat.
Create shade with sheer curtains or move to north-facing windows. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but never let water sit in the crown where it causes fatal rot in hot weather. Remove flower stalks that have finished blooming to redirect energy to surviving the summer stress.
17. Ranunculus
When grown as houseplants, these rose-like bloomers hate summer’s intensity that causes their intricate petals to shrivel and brown. Their finely-cut foliage turns yellow and crispy when temperatures exceed their comfort zone.
Accept their natural dormancy cycle – ranunculus need a rest period after flowering. Gradually reduce watering as foliage yellows, then store the dried tubers in a paper bag in a cool, dark place until fall replanting. Mark your calendar to start them again when temperatures cool.
18. Calceolaria
Commonly called pocketbook plants, these unique bloomers collapse dramatically when summer heat arrives. Their distinctive pouch-like flowers shrivel and drop, while the fuzzy foliage develops crispy brown edges in protest.
Treat as temporary flowering plants – they’re rarely worth maintaining through summer heat. Move to the coolest possible location, ideally below 65°F if you want to extend their display. Water consistently but lightly, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
19. Jasmine
Indoor flowering jasmine varieties struggle when summer temperatures soar. Their normally heavenly fragrance diminishes, flower production halts entirely, and their typically glossy leaves develop a dull, stressed appearance.
Move away from south-facing windows during peak summer months. Increase humidity through regular misting or grouping with other plants. Prune lightly after spring flowering to encourage bushiness and prepare for next year’s blooms – summer is actually ideal for shaping these fragrant favorites.
20. Abutilon
Known as flowering maple, these charming plants drop their bell-shaped blooms when summer heat intensifies. Their maple-like leaves develop scorched edges, and new flower buds fail to develop when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
Filter harsh sunlight through sheer curtains during summer months. Increase watering frequency but ensure excellent drainage – check moisture levels daily during heat waves. A weekly shower in the bathroom sink removes dust and pests while providing a temporary humidity boost during critical hot periods.