Cyprus is known for its sunshine, but during a heatwave, those warm rays can quickly turn into a challenge for your office greenery. High temperatures, intense light, and dry air can all stress plants, causing them to wilt, drop leaves, or even die. Luckily, with a few smart adjustments, you can help your plants stay healthy until the heatwave passes. Here’s how to keep your workspace green and fresh, even when it’s scorching outside.
How to Adjust Your Watering Routine to Keep Plants Hydrated Without Overwatering
Watering in extreme heat isn’t as simple as just giving more water. While plants do need more frequent hydration, their roots can still suffer if the soil is constantly waterlogged. Instead of giving a large amount once a week, water smaller portions every two to three days, checking the soil first — if it feels dry 2–3 cm below the surface, it’s time to water. Always do this in the early morning, so the plant can absorb moisture before temperatures peak. Avoid watering in the evening, as cooler, damp soil overnight can lead to root rot.
How to Reduce the Risk of Sunburn by Controlling Light Exposure
Even indoor plants can suffer from leaf burn during a heatwave, especially those sitting close to south- or west-facing windows. Direct midday sun can scorch leaves, leaving brown patches that won’t heal. To protect them, move plants a bit further from the glass, place them behind sheer curtains, or use adjustable blinds. If moving them isn’t an option, rotate pots every couple of days so that the same side of the plant isn’t exposed to intense light for too long. This small habit can prevent uneven growth and leaf damage.
How to Protect Plants from Dry Air Caused by Air Conditioning
Air conditioning might make the office bearable for humans, but it can be tough on plants. Constant airflow and lower humidity levels can cause leaves to dry out, edges to turn brown, and soil to lose moisture faster. To combat this, try placing plants together to create a small, more humid microclimate. You can also stand pots on trays filled with water and pebbles — as the water evaporates, it naturally increases humidity around the plants. If possible, avoid placing plants directly in the path of cold air from vents.
Choosing the Right Plant Species to Survive Cyprus Summers
Not all plants are equally sensitive to heat. Some tropical or desert species actually thrive in high temperatures. If you’re planning to expand your office greenery, consider heat-tolerant plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, succulents, and cacti. These species can handle drier conditions and require less frequent watering. Mixing more resilient plants with your current collection will make your office display easier to maintain and less vulnerable to future heatwaves.
Quick Checklist: How to Care for Office Plants During a Cyprus Heatwave
- Water little and often, in the early morning.
- Check soil moisture before each watering.
- Reduce direct sunlight exposure using curtains or blinds.
- Group plants to create a humid microclimate.
- Keep plants away from cold air vents.
- Add heat-tolerant plants to your collection.