About Drought-Tolerant Plants 

Climate change is causing more frequent and unpredictable droughts, making it difficult for certain plants to survive. To help with this, many people are choosing drought-tolerant plants that can survive with less water. Landscapers and gardeners can use these plants to reduce water usage and adapt to the changing climate.

Drought-resistant plants need less water but still look beautiful and grow inevitably. 

Let’s break it down, What does “drought tolerant” signify regarding the environment?

Drought: a prolonged period of dryness, which can cause significant harm to crops or prevent them from growing successfully.

Tolerant: In landscaping, “tolerant” means the ability of a plant or organism to grow and thrive despite facing challenging or unfavourable environmental conditions.

When there is little rainfall and not enough water, drought dries up plants, crops, and wildlife. Drought-tolerant plants are naturally prepared to endure these dry periods and survive. 

Benefits of Having Drought-Tolerant Plants:

• Requires less resources to thrive:

Drought-tolerant plants have a slower metabolism than non-drought-tolerant plants. This means that they use less energy, nutrients and water to grow.

These plants can sense and respond to drought conditions by closing stomata (pores on leaves) or by altering their growth patterns to minimise water loss. The plants can withstand cellular damage caused by dehydration, using specific biochemical processes to repair and protect their cells.

• Their ability to store water: 

These plants possess a remarkable ability to store water within their tissues, which enables them to flourish in water-deficient environments. Some drought-tolerant plants, such as cacti, can store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which allows them to survive prolonged periods of drought. They act as reservoirs during dry periods and sustain the plant through drought.

• Flexible Placement: 

Mount planters or use hanging pots on a sunny wall or balcony to create a vertical garden that maximises space and visual appeal.  Utilise potted succulents and cacti on windowsills, shelves, or tables to create an indoor garden that adds greenery to the living space. For room decor, smaller options like Spider plants and Jade plants are excellent choices. Incorporate edible drought-resistant plants like rosemary, lavender, or thyme into kitchen windowsills or herb gardens for a functional and aromatic touch. These hardy plants adapt quickly to different places, making them ideal for various locations in our surroundings.

• Improves Soil Health: 

Drought-tolerant plants also form symbiotic relationships with soil microbes. These microbes break down organic matter, releasing nutrients for the plants. Moreover, the microbes enhance soil structure, improving aeration and drainage. 

How to Care and Maintain Drought-tolerant Plants

Watering Guidelines: 

To take care of drought-tolerant plants:

• Water them deeply but not too often, preferably in the morning or evening, to avoid evaporation.
• Use mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist.
• If you see signs of drought stress like wilting or browning leaves, water them more frequently.

These simple steps will help your plants stay healthy during dry periods.

Soil Conditions: 

The best type of soil for drought-tolerant plants is a well-draining soil. Well-draining soil allows water to infiltrate quickly and efficiently, preventing waterlogged conditions that can be harmful to drought-tolerant plants. It also allows excess water to drain away, reducing the risk of root rot and other water-related issues.

Sun Exposure:

Consider the sun exposure needs when planting drought-resistant plants. While some may thrive in full sun, there are also suitable options for dry shade areas. So, choosing plants according to their sun requirements and ability to withstand drought conditions is essential.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements: 

Drought-tolerant plants can flourish in various temperature and humidity conditions, but it’s essential to follow some guidelines when selecting the right plants for your climate.

Temperature: These plants can handle a wide temperature range, with a preference for warm to hot climates. Some can even endure cold temperatures, but protection from frost may be necessary.

Humidity: Drought-tolerant plants are versatile regarding humidity levels, favouring dry to arid climates. While some can tolerate high Humidity, they should be planted in well-drained soil to thrive.

Here are the temperature and humidity requirements for some common drought-tolerant plants:

• Succulents: 25-35°C (77-95°F), Low to moderate Humidity
• Cacti:           25-35°C (77-95°F), Low to average Humidity 
• Yuccas:  25-35°C (77-95°F), Low to average Humidity
• Agaves: 25-35°C (77-95°F), Low to moderate Humidity
• Grasses: 20-30°C (68-86°F), Low to moderate Humidity