How to Keep Your Plants Alive in Colder Temperatures
Plants are finicky. If you need proof, take a look at the dried remains of ferns and philodendrons in my compost pile. Just about anything can end up destroying a plant. In fact, too much or too little water can cause them to rot or dry out, so you need to find the right balance.
During the winter months things are obviously more difficult – that’s why there are pots frost resistant plants which can survive cold and snow. But there are also cool temperatures in spring and summer thanks to crazy weather conditions. You will still need to be able to take care of it even when the warmer seasons arrive for this reason.
Bringing plants indoors is the first step in keeping them alive when it’s too cold outside, but it must be done strategically so as not to shock their delicate constitutions.
The amount you water your plants also changes in winter. Below, we’ve rounded up essential tips on how to keep your plants healthy all year round.
To find out more, here How to Help Your Houseplants Thrive by Placing Them in the Right PlaceAnd how to keep your plants alive while you travel.
1. Move your plants indoors before it gets too cold
Plants should be moved indoors before the outside temperature begins to drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) at night.
If it is a tropical plant, such as a potted lemon tree or passion flower, you will need to begin the transition before temperatures reach 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) at night.
2. Find the right indoor space for your plants
Before you begin, make sure you have a space indoors where you can move your outdoor plants. You will need to consider light, temperature and humidity.
Your cacti and succulents have different needs once you move them indoors.
3. Light
Sunlight is the most important factor. If the plant likes shade or partial shade, most windowsills will be adequate.
If it’s a sun-loving plant, you may need to add a growing light. A grow light or grow light has special bulbs that mimic natural sunlight. This gives your plants the nutrition they need, regardless of the amount of sun in your room. Look for a model with a timer so it can turn on and off automatically. You’ll want to give plants in full sun about 16 hours of light from a grow light each day.
4. Heat and humidity
Aside from cacti, most plants like at least some humidity. Inside your home, radiators and fireplaces can dry out the air, so if you have space in your bathroom near a window, that’s a great spot for a few plants. Otherwise, don’t worry. Adding a small humidifier to the room where your plants will be is enough.
Finally, think about the temperature. Move your plants away from radiators, vents or fireplaces to help keep the temperature more consistent.
5. Slow transition of your plants
You can’t just bring your outdoor plants inside and call it a day. They are acclimated to certain temperatures, humidity and light. If you suddenly bring them indoors, where conditions are different, they may go into shock. This can kill a plant or at least make it sick for a few weeks.
There are two ways to make the transition, and it all depends on the types of plants you’re moving.
Bring shade-loving plants inside every day for a few hours. Extend the duration a little each day until you get six hours of continuous time indoors.
For sun-loving plantsmove them to a shady area, such as under a tree, for about two weeks. After they have been in the shade, move them indoors.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a plant in shade or full sun, you need to cut the growth back a bit as you begin to transition. The new growth will be acclimated to an indoor environment, resulting in a healthier plant.
6. Get rid of bugs
As you transition plants, you may notice insects that you don’t want to bring indoors. Additionally, aphids, mealybugs, and other insects that aren’t much of a problem outdoors can end up infesting your plant when brought indoors.
The best way to control insects is to soak the plant in a bucket of water with a drop of mild soap (such as Castile soap) for 15 minutes. This will kill insects without pesticides. However, only do this with plants in pots with drainage holes and don’t use this method for cacti, succulents and other plants that can’t handle a lot of water.
7. Water your plants less
During the winter months, your potted plants won’t need much maintenance. Water them only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot and eventually kill your plant. If it’s a succulent, you can wait even longer. Wait until the soil has been dry for several days before watering again.
If you are unsure how dry is too dry, a $10 Floor Monitor will help you maintain the topsoil at optimal moisture levels.
For more gardening tips, check out how to plant a tree the right way, what determines the color of a hydrangea bloomAnd how to get rid of honeysuckle.
