Heat-resistant plants – south-facing balcony

Top-floor apartment, south-facing bay window, no air conditioning: in summer, some interiors regularly exceed 30°C. While many plants suffer from the heat, others are perfectly adapted—they come from arid or tropical regions where these temperatures are the norm.

Succulents and cacti: champions of dry heat

Succulent plants are designed to survive extreme temperatures and drought. Aloe vera, Euphorbia, Crassula, and cacti in general not only tolerate heat but enjoy it—it stimulates their growth and intensifies their colors. The hotter and brighter it is, the more beautiful they become. Find our full selection in the cacti and succulents and Aloe collections.

Tropical plants that love humid heat

Some common indoor plants come from tropical forests where it is warm and humid year-round. Strelitzia, Musa (banana plant), Ficus Elastica, and Philodendron thrive above 25°C, provided humidity is maintained. The trick during heatwaves: mist the foliage morning and evening, and increase watering frequency. Find these species in our Strelitzia, Musa, Ficus Elastica, and tropical plants collections.

The indestructibles of dry heat

Sansevieria withstands heat and drought like few other plants. Native to semi-arid regions of Africa, it stays flawless even when temperatures soar and watering is forgotten. Zamioculcas shares this resilience: its underground bulb stores water reserves that make it almost self-sufficient. Yucca, accustomed to Mexican deserts, is in its element above 30°C. And Beaucarnea (elephant foot), with its swollen trunk that stores water, is a marvel of adaptation. Browse our Sansevieria and hardy plants collections.

Citrus and Mediterranean plants: heat as fuel

Citrus (lemon tree, calamondin), Olive, Rosemary, and Lavender come from Mediterranean regions where summers are scorching. Indoors or on a south-facing balcony, they convert heat into growth, flowers, and fruit. The warmer and sunnier they are, the more they produce. Find them in our Citrus, fruit and aromatic plants, and Mediterranean urban garden collections.

Adjusting watering during hot weather

Heat speeds up evaporation and plant transpiration. Even resistant species will need more frequent watering in summer. For succulents and Sansevieria, switch from watering every 2-3 weeks to weekly watering. For tropical plants, watering every 2-3 days may be necessary during heatwaves. Water preferably in the morning or evening, never in the midday sun. Our complete watering guide and our month-by-month care calendar help you adjust the schedule.

Plants to avoid when it’s very hot

Some species suffer above 25°C: Calathea, Ferns, and Cyclamen prefer cool conditions and react poorly to dry heat, with leaves browning and curling. If your interior is warm, choose species from this selection and reserve cool-loving plants for air-conditioned rooms or milder seasons. To better understand each species’ needs, read our article light and humidity: finding the right balance and our guide 10 common mistakes and how to avoid them.