RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s intense summer heat, having a houseplant adds a cozy element to homes and can improve owners’ health, but caring for them can prove a challenge.

Plants purify the air, reduce stress and create a natural sense of calmness in the middle of the daily hustle and bustle of major cities.

However, as the country is reaching the peak of summer with daytime temperatures soaring above 40 degrees celsius, caring for indoor plants can come with difficulties.

Without suitable care, the summer heat can easily damage thriving indoor gardens.

Arwa Al-Otaibi, a plant owner and botany enthusiast, spoke to Arab News about the impact plants can make on homes, and the proper way to care for them.

“One of the most beautiful and relaxing things is when we visit places filled with plants and nature,” she said.

“We feel a wonderful sense of comfort, relaxation and calm, so imagine when we see the place we live in filled with plants, and when we own plants in our homes.”

According to Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort. This is felt by farmers, as she describes it, when they touch the leaves and soil, which she says “significantly reduces cortisol levels.”

Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being.

This is supported by scientific studies, including a 2015 paper in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology which found that subjects felt more “comfortable, soothed and natural,” and their blood pressure was lowered after transplanting an indoor plant.

Plants can also improve air quality by filtering toxins and increasing humidity in the air, which is essential in Riyadh’s dry weather.

Caring for plants teaches “patience and the slow waiting for results, such as the blossom of flowers and the growing of new leaves,” Al-Otaibi explained.

“This in itself inspires patience and calmness. Taking continuous care of a plant, even if in the small details, yields long-term results.

It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.

Arwa Al-Otaibi, Botany enthusiast

“This is an example that reminds us of the long-term benefits of investing in ourselves, our health, and our relationships,” she added.

It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.

Another point is that summer heat leads to faster evaporation, yet overwatering a plant can also be damaging. It is recommended to use well-draining pots and water early in the morning or after sunset to lower the stress on the plant.

Also, maintaining a cooler temperature inside the house is essential for the growth of plants.

“Another important aspect of plant care in hot weather is ensuring the overall atmosphere in the room,” Al-Otaibi said.

“The appropriate temperature for plants varies depending on the type of plant, but in general, during hot weather, the home temperature should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

“When leaving the house, there should be some sort of ventilation, like leaving windows slightly open, to refresh the air when the air-conditioning is off.”

Maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the plant is important. Misting leaves with water to protect them from becoming dry, or grouping them together to create a microclimate, could also be beneficial.

In general, taking care of houseplants in Riyadh’s intense summer heat can be a challenge, yet it is one can be overcome with proper attention.

Healthy houseplants can elevate the overall atmosphere with greenery creating a beautiful indoor jungle, bringing life into a quiet living room.

RIYADH: Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, the governor of Qassim, inaugurated health, municipal, energy and charitable projects in Al-Bukayriyah governorate, worth more than SR200 million ($53 milion).

He said these projects reflect the leadership’s strong support for development programs and better services for citizens and residents, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Prince Faisal highlighted efforts to upgrade infrastructure, expand healthcare and social services, and enhance municipal initiatives to create a safe and vibrant urban environment. He thanked all government and civil entities involved.

The municipal projects, costing more than SR140 million, aim to improve infrastructure and the urban landscape and include, according to the mayor of Al-Bukayriyah, roads, streets, public squares, parks and pedestrian walkways.

Prince Faisal praised the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and local municipalities, stressing the need to continue delivering quality projects that serve citizens and support comprehensive development.

He inaugurated the second phase of a solar energy project at the governorate building, part of efforts to adopt renewable energy and improve efficiency in government facilities.

The project is a step toward sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional energy and powering the facility with solar energy, the SPA reported.

Prince Faisal said the use of solar power cuts operating costs, lowers carbon emissions, and improves spending efficiency, and expressed the hope to expand such initiatives throughout the region.

He also launched several health projects, worth SR26 million, to strengthen the health sector and improve services. These include upgrades to Al-Bukayriyah General Hospital, an automated lab, improved inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services, the development of Al-Zahra Health Center, and replacement of the hospital’s electrical systems.

Prince Faisal also visited Basma Rural Resort in Al-Bukayriyah governorate. He toured the resort’s facilities and reviewed its tourism services and unique rural hospitality that reflect the region’s natural landscape and agricultural heritage.

Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of supporting high-quality tourism projects that contribute to rural development and offer diverse tourism options for residents and visitors to the region.

He commended the private sector’s efforts to invest in sustainable tourism activities aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to develop tourism as a vital economic sector.

Prince Faisal said that Al-Bukayriyah, like other governorates in the region, possesses promising tourism potential that should be optimally leveraged.

The Qassim governor expressed hope for more high-quality tourism projects that support the local economy and generate job opportunities for Saudi men and women.

Prince Faisal visited Maqsourat Al-Suwailem at the Al-Bukayriyah heritage site, where he was briefed on its historical and architectural significance.

He underlined the importance of preserving heritage sites as part of national identity and promoting heritage tourism. Such projects, he said, honor the legacy of ancestors and help introduce younger generations and visitors to the region’s culture.

The governor praised the Al-Suwailem family for preserving and exhibiting the site, highlighting their role in fostering awareness of national heritage and supporting heritage tourism.

Prince Faisal also reviewed projects to restore Al-Bukayriyah’s old town and develop the Jabal Saq trail, implemented by the municipality in cooperation with the Al-Bukayriyah Community Committee.

The projects aim to revive the town’s heritage character, create an attractive environment, and enhance the urban landscape.

The Jabal Saq trail, at an elevation of 400m, is a tourist and recreational destination, offering walking, hiking, and scenic views to boost local tourism.

Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preserving heritage and promoting tourism, praising the municipality and committee for their efforts aligned with Vision 2030 goals to develop tourist sites and improve quality of life.

Prince Faisal launched two major charitable initiatives worth about SR10.5 million: the Waqf Al-Walidayn by the Holy Qur’an Memorization Association; and the Investment Endowment by the Saei Association for Widows.

The Waqf Al-Walidayn supports the association’s Qur’anic education programs and financial sustainability, while the widows’ endowment funds Saei’s initiatives to improve widows’ living and social conditions.

He also sponsored an agreement between the People of Al-Bukayriyah Endowment Foundation and the Healthy Cities Program to support community initiatives that promote health and enhance quality of life.