health

Houseplant hacks: is summer rain a ‘spa’ for indoor plants?

You might think tropical plants would love a warm shower, but even in summer the UK’s weather is unpredictable

Houseplant hacks: is summer rain a ‘spa’ for indoor plants?

TL;DR

  • Indoor plants accumulate dust and staleness, benefiting from a cleaning similar to an outdoor shower.
  • Summer rain can provide soft water and wash dust from leaves, but it must be warm and short to avoid damage.
  • British summer showers are unpredictable and can be cold, leading to chill damage, waterlogged soil, and root rot.
  • Outdoor pests like vine weevils and slugs may transfer to plants left outside.
  • A lukewarm shower indoors is suggested as a safer way to clean plants without the risks of outdoor exposure.