As the UK continues to experience soaring summer temperatures, houseplants and fresh flowers are feeling the heat14:48, 25 Jun 2026As the UK experiences scorching summer temperatures, houseplants and cut flowers are struggling with the heat. With compost drying out more rapidly and stems beginning to wilt, maintaining healthy greenery indoors has become increasingly difficult.‌However, there's encouraging news: with just a handful of seasonal adjustments to your care routine, your plants and flowers can remain fresh and healthy. Lucy Hook, flowers and plant category lead at Bloom & Wild, has revealed her top five reasons to adopt bottom watering this summer.‌Here's everything you need to know.‌How bottom watering will help:Prevents water runoff and superficial wateringLucy said: "In hot weather, soil can become compacted or hydrophobic - meaning it repels water. Top watering often results in runoff, missing the roots entirely."Bottom watering draws water up through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball gets a deep, even soak. It's especially useful for thirsty plants like Monstera and Bird of Paradise."‌Encourages root strength and developmentLucy continued: "Watering from the bottom encourages roots to grow downward, strengthening the plant overall. Fast-growing summer favourites like Philodendrons, Pothos and Peace Lilies especially benefit from this deep-rooting support."‌Avoids leaf damageSplashing water on leaves can promote mildew, pests and even rot, especially in heat. Delicate varieties like Calatheas, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and African Violets remain "healthier when watered from below, as their leaves remain dry and undisturbed," Lucy said.Reduces shock and temperature stress‌She added: "Pouring cold water onto warm soil can shock roots. Bottom watering lets plants hydrate more gradually, making it a gentler option for delicate varieties like Ferns, Peperomia, and Maidenhair Ferns."Builds a better watering rhythmBecause bottom watering saturates the soil more completely, it lengthens the time between waterings, perfect for heatwaves or holidays. Succulents, ZZ Plants and Snake Plants particularly flourish with this type of steady, root-friendly routine.Article continues belowHow to bottom water your houseplants:Place your plant (in a pot with drainage holes) into a shallow bowl or sink with 2–3 inches of waterLeave it for 15–30 minutes or until the topsoil feels dampEmpty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rotWater every two to three weeks or alternate with top watering if needed