Tips to protect your indoor and outdoor plants from extreme heat

Arizona’s summer heat can stress indoor plants, especially when sunlight passes through windows. Tanner Bollman of Rainbow Ridge Bioactive recommends moving indoor plants at least 2 feet away from windows, including some that need direct light. Watch for signs of stress and move them farther back if needed.

Avoid watering houseplants until the soil is completely dry, since too much water can lead to root rot. You can check the soil with your finger. Bottom-watering, by placing a pot in a container and letting the soil absorb water, can also help. Pots should have drainage and use well-draining soil.

Outdoor plants, including desert varieties, may need protection from intense sun. Joe Dougherty of Ocotillo Joe recommends planting near trees or using shade cloth. Shade and careful watering can create cooler, more humid areas that help plants handle extreme temperatures.

Dougherty also recommends adding new plants in spring or fall, giving them time to adjust before summer. He said hand-watering can help water reach deeper roots and gives homeowners more control than some drip systems, which may water only shallow areas and waste water.