Monitor temperatures closely, keeping most houseplants above 50°F (10°C). Tropical plants prefer a minimum of 60°F (15°C).

Watch for signs of cold stress like wilting, discoloration, or leaf drop. Move affected plants to a warmer spot immediately.

Protect plants from cold drafts by sealing windows, using insulating curtains, and maintaining a consistent room temperature.

Position temperature-sensitive plants away from exterior doors and chilly windows. Create warm microclimates near sunny windows or with grow lights if needed.

Ideal Temperature Ranges for Common House Plants

Tropicals and Subtropicals

Tropical and subtropical houseplants like pothos, philodendron, and bird of paradise thrive in warm, humid environments that mimic their native habitats. These plants generally prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). When temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), many tropical plants begin to suffer from cold stress.

Signs of cold damage include wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, and leaf drop. To protect your tropical beauties from the cold, keep them away from drafty windows and doors during winter. If necessary, move them to a warmer room or provide a heat source like a space heater.

Covering plants with frost cloth or plastic during cold snaps can also help retain heat. Be sure to avoid letting the covering touch the foliage, as this can cause further damage. For added insulation, consider placing potted plants close together or nestling them among other objects.

Some tropical plants are hardier than others. For example, ZZ plants and snake plants can tolerate temperatures down to 45°F (7°C), while more delicate species like anthurium and calathea prefer a minimum of 60°F (15°C). Researching the specific needs of your tropical and subtropical plants will help you provide the best care.

With a little extra attention and protection from the cold, you can keep your tropical houseplants healthy and beautiful year-round. By maintaining proper temperatures and shielding plants from drafts and chills, you’ll create a cozy indoor oasis that both you and your plants will enjoy.

Desert Dwellers and Succulents

Desert dwellers and succulents like cactus, jade, aloe, snake plants, and others adapted to arid climates are some of the most cold-tolerant houseplants around. These hardy plants can typically withstand temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) without suffering damage, thanks to their unique adaptations for conserving water and protecting their tissues from extreme conditions.

However, it’s important to note that even these resilient plants have their limits. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F can cause irreversible damage, especially if the plants are also exposed to frost or freezing winds. In such conditions, the water inside the plant’s cells can freeze and expand, rupturing cell walls and leading to mushy, discolored leaves and stems.

To keep your desert dwellers and succulents thriving during cold snaps, it’s best to bring them indoors or provide some form of protection, like a greenhouse or cold frame, when temperatures dip below 40°F. If you can’t bring them inside, try to place them in a sheltered spot near a wall or under an overhang to shield them from the worst of the cold and wind.

Remember, these plants are used to warm, sunny conditions, so they may go dormant and stop growing during the winter months, even if they’re protected from the cold. Don’t worry if your succulents seem a bit sluggish or lose a few leaves – they’ll perk back up when warmer weather returns!

Protecting Your Plants from Chilly Conditions

Acclimate Plants in the Fall

As the weather cools in autumn, it’s important to gradually acclimate your plants that spent the summer outdoors to lower indoor temperatures. This process helps prevent shock and allows them to adjust to the new environment. Start by bringing plants inside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week or two. Choose a spot with similar light conditions to their outdoor location. Keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and address any issues promptly. As plants acclimate, you may notice some leaf drop, which is normal. Be sure to inspect for pests before moving plants indoors permanently. Once inside, avoid placing plants near drafty windows or heat sources. With a little extra care during the transition, your plants will successfully adapt to their cozy indoor home for the cooler months ahead.

Keep Them Cozy

When the mercury drops, it’s important to keep your houseplants cozy and protected from cold drafts. One simple solution is to move your plants away from drafty doors and windows during the winter months. If possible, relocate them to a warmer spot in your home, such as a sunny bathroom or a room with better insulation.

For added warmth, consider using a space heater or grow lights near your plants. Space heaters can provide targeted warmth, but be sure to keep them at a safe distance to avoid scorching delicate leaves. Grow lights not only offer supplemental light during shorter winter days but also emit a gentle heat that can help keep your plants comfortable.

Another way to protect your plants from the cold is by creating a microclimate around them. Group plants together, as they will help insulate each other and maintain a slightly higher humidity level. You can also place them on a tray filled with pebbles and water, which will evaporate and increase the surrounding humidity.

Lastly, be mindful of your watering habits during colder months. Cold soil retains moisture longer, so reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot. Use lukewarm water rather than cold tap water to avoid shocking your plants’ roots. By implementing these simple strategies, you can ensure your houseplants stay warm and thriving throughout the winter season, even when the outside temperatures dip.

Reduce Watering and Hold the Fertilizer

As temperatures drop during colder months, it’s important to adjust your houseplant care routine to ensure your plants stay healthy. One key aspect is reducing watering frequency. When the air is cooler and drier, plants don’t require as much moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings, and when you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Another crucial step is to hold off on fertilizing during this time. Most houseplants experience a period of dormancy or slowed growth in colder months, and they don’t need the extra nutrients that fertilizers provide. In fact, fertilizing during dormancy can actually harm your plants by causing stress or encouraging weak, spindly growth. It’s best to wait until spring when plants naturally start to grow more vigorously before resuming your regular fertilizing schedule.

By reducing watering and avoiding fertilizer during colder months, you’ll help your houseplants conserve energy and stay healthy until warmer weather returns. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of stress, and adjust your care as needed to keep them thriving year-round.