Ok so we all know that winter skin feeling. Tight, dry and flaky faces are the norm, and we all need a bit of moisturiser, right!? Is it the same for plants? Our Wild Ones have been asking if the cold air of winter can actually harm our beloved houseplants. Let's dig in!
Can Cold Air Harm Houseplants?
To cut right to the chase, yes, cold air can definitely harm your houseplants (but fear not, we have some fail safe prevention methods for your houseplants below). Most of our indoor plants come from tropical or subtropical regions, which means they’re not exactly fans of chilly weather. When temperatures drop, you'll definitely notice their growth slow down, but did you know that houseplant leaves can also get damaged in the cold? More than that, the cold can kill your tropical beauties. YIKES!
How Cold is Too Cold for Indoor Plants?
Great question! Generally, most houseplants start to get uncomfortable when temperatures dip below 10°C (50°F). Some might tolerate a bit lower, but others can start showing signs of stress even above this threshold. The key is to know your indoor plant’s specific needs.
What Are The Signs My Houseplant Is Struggling From The Cold?
Ok, there's a few key signs to look out for during winter:
- Wilting: Even if the soil is moist, if the leaves start drooping, it’s a red flag.
- Yellowing Leaves: Look, yellow leaves are pretty common and can be hard to pinpoint, but if there's been a cold snap, and suddenly the leaves start turning yellow and dropping, well, you can make an assumption that it's the frosty weather.
- Blackened Foliage: This is a key sign of cold damage to your houseplants, and is particularly tough on new shoots and fresh tender leaves where the moisture content is higher and the waxy leaf coating hasn't fully established.
- Slow Growth: If your plant’s growth has significantly slowed down, it might be too chilly for comfort. But stress less about this one; once it warms up your houseplants will bounce back!
Keeping Your Indoor Plants Warm
Alright, so how do we protect our green friends from the cold? Here are some tips:
-
Move Them Away from Drafts: Keep your houseplants away from drafty windows and doors. Cold air seeping in can cause a sudden drop in temperature.
-
Use a Humidifier: Heating systems can dry out the air, which isn't great for indoor plants. A humidifier can help maintain a more plant-friendly environment.
-
Keep Them Warm, But Not Too Warm: Placing houseplants near a heating source can be tricky. They need warmth, but direct heat can dry them out. Aim for a spot with consistent temperatures.
-
Use Protect Spray: Protect Spray has naturally occurring hormones that are used in organic agriculture practices to protect plants from frost, so it may build plant tolerance over time.
-
Proper Watering: Overwatering in cold conditions can be detrimental. Make sure the soil has good drainage and only water when the topsoil is dry.
-
Use Grow Lights: Shorter days mean less light. Supplementing with grow lights can help keep your indoor plants happy and growing.
These Are The Best Cold Hardy Plants
Desert plants are used to the dry harsh heat during the day, and freezing cold temperatures at night, so they make a strong winter option. Just make sure they still get plenty of sunlight and don't get overwatered or they will start to wilt and rot as well!
Stay warm and happy planting!