Summer in Hyderabad is typically hot with temperature soaring above 40°C. During this season, plants dry out quickly as they can’t sustain the heat. They need frequent watering and care, otherwise they won’t be able to survive.
If you are looking for plants that can sustain summer heat and can survive with little water, then xerophytes and semi-arid plants are better options. These plants by their own nature survive in hot climates and also require less care and maintenance. Let us give you some clarity on these two groups of plants.
Xerophytes
Xerophytes are plants that can survive in extreme hot and dry conditions like deserts and temperate forests. Their name Xerophytes (‘Xero’ – scarcity of water and ‘Phyte’ – plants) itself talks about their nature. These plants are also called as drought resistant plants as they can sustain extreme conditions where there is scarcity of water, limited moisture and high temperature.
Whenever they get water, xerophytic plants store it in different parts like stems, roots, leaves, etc. which has special water storing cells. These cells combine carbohydrates and starch to make a thick fluid. As the fluid is thick, evaporation becomes difficult, thus the xerophytes are able to survive with less water for longer periods.
Some of the xerophytic plants are Ponytail Palm, Snake Plant, Aloevera (Kalabandha), Crown of Thorns, Nipple Cactus, Hens-and-Chicks, Jade Plant, etc.
Semi-arid plants
Semi-arid plants are similar to xerophytes, with respect to their survival in hot climates. They are adapted to high temperatures and low rainfall and thus can survive even in hot summer climates. Unlike xerophytes, semi-arids don’t have special storage cells, but they reduce their plant structures (leaves and stems) into spines and other forms, to avoid loss and to minimize use of water. Some plants also produce waxy coat on their bodies to stop water loss.
Another advantage of these plants is that they require very low maintenance in gardening in summers. Most of the semi-arids are grown in gardens as bordering to walkway, decorating walls, etc.
Some semi-arid plants are Golden Trumpet (Allemandatheega), Oleander (Adavi ganneru), Brilliant Gardenia ( Konda manga), Camphire (Gonnta), Hibiscus (Mandara), Ixora (Rugmini), Melia (Taraka Vepa), Rose Mary, etc.
Advantages of growing xerophytes and semi-arid plants in summer:
- These plants grow in both high and low temperatures
- Excess exposure to sunlight will not harm these plants. In fact, they need more sun light
- Frequent watering is not required
- These plants are not prone to diseases like other plants. Washing the plant is enough to get rid of house bugs
- Less maintenance required
Now that you have got some clarity on types of Xerophytic and semi-arid plants, you can choose some of them that you think will look good in your home garden. Choosing these plants is a smart choice as you know that these plants are low maintenance, won’t dry up in heat and will make your garden look green all summer.
You may also like to read:
How to Protect Garden Plants this Summer?