Some plants just love the heat—and thankfully, they make perfect houseguests during summer. I’ve filled my sunny windowsills with these tough beauties, and they’ve been thriving even on the hottest days.
They don’t just survive the warmth—they totally embrace it. With a little love and the right care, they’ll keep your indoor space lush all season long. These 18 heat-loving plants are a lifesaver when everything else starts to wilt!
1. Snake Plant
Native to the arid regions of West Africa, these tough plants laugh in the face of heat waves. Their sword-like leaves stand tall through hot conditions that would make other plants wither away instantly.
Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2-3 weeks in summer. Place in bright indirect light, though they’ll tolerate low light areas too. Snake plants purify air even at night, making them perfect bedroom companions.
2. ZZ Plant
Practically indestructible, ZZ plants store water in their thick stems and potato-like rhizomes, allowing them to sail through hot spells with ease. Their glossy, dark green leaves maintain their luster even when temperatures climb.
Let the soil dry completely between waterings – typically once a month is plenty. They thrive in any light condition from low to bright indirect. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and looking their best.
3. Aloe Vera
The ultimate sun-worshipper, aloe vera evolved in the scorching deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its fleshy, water-filled leaves contain the famous cooling gel that soothes sunburns – quite fitting for a plant that loves the heat!
Plant in cactus mix and allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Position in bright, direct sunlight for best growth. Bonus: keep one in your kitchen to snip for minor burns and skin irritations during summer cooking adventures.
4. Ponytail Palm
Despite the name, this quirky plant isn’t actually a palm but a succulent relative that’s built for desert conditions. The bulbous trunk stores water, allowing it to thrive during hot, dry spells that would stress other plants.
Water sparingly – once every 2-3 weeks in summer is plenty. Place in bright light with some direct sun for best results. The cascading, grass-like foliage adds a playful, sculptural element to any room.
5. Jade Plant
Hailing from the hot, arid regions of South Africa, jade plants have evolved to embrace the heat. Their plump, oval leaves store water efficiently, giving them impressive staying power during hot weather.
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, and provide bright, indirect light with some morning sun. With proper care, these living gems can become heirloom plants, growing for decades and developing thick, tree-like trunks that add character to any room.
6. Rubber Plant
With origins in tropical Southeast Asia, rubber plants are naturally equipped for warm temperatures. Their large, glossy leaves have a leathery texture that helps them retain moisture when the mercury rises.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place in bright, indirect light. Dust leaves regularly to keep them shiny and photosynthesizing efficiently. These dramatic plants can grow quite tall indoors, making them perfect statement pieces for warm rooms.
7. Yucca
Desert-dwelling yuccas bring southwestern charm to indoor spaces while shrugging off heat with ease. Their stiff, sword-shaped leaves radiate from thick trunks, creating an architectural focal point that thrives when temperatures climb.
Plant in well-draining soil and water sparingly – about once every two weeks in summer. Position in the brightest spot available, as they love direct sunlight. Their dramatic silhouette makes them perfect statement plants for warm, sunny rooms.
8. Fiddle Leaf Fig
These Instagram favorites hail from the hot, humid rainforests of western Africa where temperatures regularly soar. Their distinctive violin-shaped leaves create a dramatic silhouette that thrives in warm environments.
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, and position in bright, indirect light. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes which can cause leaf drop. A consistent watering schedule and stable environment will keep those gorgeous leaves looking their best all summer.
9. Sago Palm
Ancient and resilient, sago palms are living fossils that have survived on Earth for 200 million years through countless heat waves. Their stiff, feathery fronds emerge from a central trunk, creating a prehistoric look that adds character to warm rooms.
Water only when soil is completely dry, and place in bright, indirect light. Growth is slow but steady, making them low-maintenance companions for summer. Note: keep away from pets as all parts are toxic if ingested.
10. Croton
Flamboyant crotons flaunt vibrantly colored leaves in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows – colors that seem made for summer heat. Native to tropical regions, they actually produce their most vivid colors when temperatures are warm.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, and provide bright, indirect light with some morning sun. Higher humidity helps prevent leaf drop, so mist occasionally during dry heat waves. Their kaleidoscope of colors makes them perfect focal points in warm rooms.
11. Parlor Palm
Victorian-era favorites, these elegant palms were chosen specifically for their ability to tolerate the warm, dry air of heated parlors long before air conditioning existed. Their feathery fronds bring a touch of tropical luxury to any space.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the delicate leaves. Despite their tropical appearance, they handle average home humidity levels with ease, making them perfect year-round companions.
12. String of Pearls
Resembling strands of green beads cascading over pot edges, these quirky succulents evolved in the hot deserts of southwest Africa. Each ‘pearl’ is actually a modified leaf that stores water, allowing the plant to sail through heat waves effortlessly.
Water sparingly when pearls begin to look slightly wrinkled. Place in bright, indirect light with some morning sun. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for warm spots on high shelves or hanging planters where their unique form can be fully appreciated.
13. Dracaena
Sporting dramatic sword-shaped leaves often striped with white or red, dracaenas have adapted to the hot conditions of tropical Africa. Their striking architectural form adds vertical interest to rooms that run warm in summer.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and place in medium to bright indirect light. Brown leaf tips often indicate too little humidity rather than heat stress, so occasional misting helps during dry spells. Many varieties grow slowly but can eventually reach impressive heights indoors.
14. Pothos
Virtually indestructible, pothos vines thrive in tropical heat while requiring minimal attention. Their heart-shaped leaves come in various patterns from solid green to marbled gold, silver, or white variegation that brightens any space.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place in any light from low to bright indirect. Trim occasionally to encourage bushier growth or let trail dramatically from shelves. Their air-purifying abilities make them functional as well as beautiful additions to warm rooms.
15. Elephant Ear
Making a bold statement with enormous heart-shaped leaves, elephant ears evolved in tropical rainforests where heat and humidity reign supreme. Their impressive size creates instant jungle vibes in any warm room.
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth, and place in bright, indirect light. Higher humidity promotes larger leaves, so occasional misting benefits them during dry heat. Available in green, black, and variegated forms, they’re perfect focal points for spaces that stay warm year-round.
16. Bird of Paradise
Reminiscent of tropical getaways, these stunning plants feature large, paddle-shaped leaves that fan out dramatically from central stalks. Native to South Africa, they’re built to handle heat with style and grace.
Water when the top two inches of soil dry out, and place in the brightest spot available – they can handle direct sun. Mature plants may reward you with their iconic crane-like flowers when given enough light and warmth. Their bold presence makes them statement pieces for bright, warm rooms.
17. Cactus
Masters of desert survival, cacti have perfected the art of thriving in extreme heat. Their unique forms range from tiny round globes to tall columnar specimens, all equipped with specialized tissues for water storage.
Water sparingly – typically once every 2-3 weeks in summer, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Place in the brightest, sunniest spot available. With minimal care, these spiny sculptures can live for decades, growing slowly into increasingly impressive specimens that love the heat.
18. Spider Plant
Cheerful and forgiving, spider plants earned their popularity by thriving in the warm, stuffy conditions of 1970s homes. Their arching, striped leaves and dangling baby plantlets create a fountain-like display that softens any space.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place in bright, indirect light. They tolerate a wide range of conditions but produce more babies when temperatures are warm. Share the offspring with friends for an endless supply of these adaptable, air-purifying classics.