Houseplant hacks: is summer rain a ‘spa’ for indoor plants? Indoor plants can benefit from a rain shower to wash off dust and mineral deposits, mimicking outdoor conditions. However, British summer rain can be cold and unpredictable, potentially causing chill damage, waterlogged soil, and root rot. Pests can also hitch a ride back indoors, making an indoor lukewarm shower a safer alternative.

• 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.