Can you keep tropical plants alive in winter?
Many tropical and semi-tropical plants cannot survive freezing temperatures, so moving them indoors is a practical way to ensure they stay healthy until spring. Before bringing plants inside, check them for pests and prune any damaged or dead leaves. Light requirements vary substantially from plant to plant. Some tropical plants, such as rubber tree, Chinese evergreen, prayer plant, and some palms, grow in low light and are likely to be burned in intense, direct sunlight. Sun-loving tropical plants include Sago palm, ponytail palm, string of pearls, or croton.Don’t Baby Overwintering Tropical Plants They get lifted from the ground or repotted into smaller containers and put in the basement. I keep my tropicals under full-spectrum daylight bulbs at a temperature between 40°F and 60°F and water sparingly, about once every two weeks.Don’t be alarmed if they drop leaves–just continue to care for them and they will re-leaf in time. In cold climates, keep the humidity below 30% to avoid condensation on your windows. The ideal winter environment for most flowering tropical plants would be approximately 50°F at night and 65 degrees during the day.Most tropical indoor plants prefer bright indirect sunlight—in other words, make sure your plant isn’t in direct sun but still getting plenty of light throughout the day.
Where to put tropical plants in winter?
Position indoor tropical plants in a very bright location that receives no less than 6 hours of light per day. If the winter is very cloudy, supplement your plants with an artificial light source. Be sure the room is warm, but avoid putting the plants too close to a heating vent, which can dry them out drastically. Tropical plants don’t like sudden temperature changes, so you should avoid placing them near doors to protect them from cold drafts during the winter. Also keep them away from heating appliances and avoid contact with cold window panes. Finally, some plants hardly tolerate very dry environments.
What is the coldest temperature for tropical plants?
Tropical plants will suffer when night-time temperatures slip below 40 degrees F. Plan to bring in your houseplants when temperatures are forecast below 45 degrees F to protect them from stress and cold damage. The cooler temperatures have put an end to tender annuals, herbs, and most perennials. If you haven’t brought in your houseplants from their summer vacation, do it now. It’s definitely time to bring them in,” said Tom Tiddens, the Garden’s plant healthcare supervisor.
How to stop plants from dying in winter?
One of the best preventive measures to protect plants from winter damage is to do a fall application of mulch to your beds. Adding a few inches of a good organic material to the soil surface will help to insulate the roots of your plants and conserve water and keep your plants hydrated. Gardeners often use plant covers, cloches, or cold frames to provide this extra layer of protection, ensuring the plant’s survival during the colder months.