Keeping plants alive in Lahore's summer heat

How to protect indoor and balcony plants from 45 °C heat, hot winds and dry air during a Pakistani summer.

From May to August, balconies in Lahore can pass 45 °C. Plants lose water fast and leaves scorch. A few changes make a big difference.

Water early in the morning

Water before 9 am so roots drink before the heat. Evening watering is second best. Avoid watering at midday – drops on leaves can burn them.

Give afternoon shade

• Move pots away from west-facing walls that store heat.
• Use a green shade net (50%) over balcony plants.
• Group pots together – they keep each other cooler and more humid.

Plants that love the heat

Periwinkle (Sadabahar), Hibiscus, Marigold, Aloe Vera and cacti actually enjoy summer. Choose these for sunny balconies.

Feed less, mulch more

Plants grow slowly in extreme heat, so halve the fertilizer. A layer of vermicompost or dry leaves on top of the soil keeps roots cool and slows evaporation.

Terracotta pots dry out fastest in summer. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots hold water longer.