Potted plants are like our little green babies—they rely on you for everything. When things get wild, it can be important to protect them. Whether it’s a serious storm, extreme heat, or unexpected cold snaps, it's likely that your houseplants need some extra care to stay happy and healthy. When Mother Nature gets tricky, here's what to do!

Heavy Storms: Stop Your Plants From Getting Damaged

Cyclones, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can wreak havoc on your potted plants. Here’s how to prepare:

• Bring them inside: If possible, move your plants indoors or to a protected area like a covered patio or garage.

• Secure the pots: If they’re too heavy to move, place them against a sturdy wall or use bricks and weights to prevent tipping.

• Prune weak branches: Trimming weak or leggy growth reduces the risk of breakage during strong winds.

• Check for drainage: Too much rain can lead to root rot. Make sure your pots have proper drainage holes, and consider elevating them on pot feet or bricks to prevent water from pooling.

• Use plant stakes: If your plants are tall or top-heavy, staking them can help prevent breakage in strong winds.

Extreme Heat: Move Your Plants And Keep Them Cool

When temperatures soar in the heat of summer (Adelaide, Perth - we're looking at you), your potted plants can struggle with heat stress. Here’s what to do:

• Move them to shade or inside: Direct sun can scorch leaves and dry out the soil fast. Relocate your pots to a shady spot or use a shade cloth.

• Water deeply, but wisely: Water in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation. Make sure the water soaks through to the roots.

• Use a soil topper: A layer of organic mulch (like bark or coconut coir) helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.

• Mist the leaves: A light misting can help increase humidity and keep plants from drying out too quickly.

• Group them together: Placing plants close to each other creates a microclimate that helps retain moisture and humidity.

Unexpected Cold Snaps: Keeping Plants Warm And Protected From Frost

A sudden drop in temperature can be a shock to potted plants. Here’s how to protect them:

• Move them to a sheltered area: If frost is in the forecast, bring your plants inside or place them near a wall that retains heat.

• Cover them up: Use cloths, old blankets, or even upside-down buckets to trap warmth overnight.

• Water before a frost: Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, helping to protect roots from freezing.

• Move tropical plants inside and away from windows: your tropical plant babes won't love the extreme cold, so move them inside!