Temperature

Why is temperature important?

Houseplants are typically imported from warmer climates with adaptable features that make them great plants for use indoors year-round, but still require a degree of mimicry to their native environment in order to survive, one of them being temperature. Temperature can determine if the plant will flower or drop leaves, survives or dies.

Temperature consistently under fifty degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous – the plant simply may not grow and the cold temps will cause it to die. If plants should be exposed to conditions under 50 degrees for any reason (your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter), get them off the ground and covered to minimize the risk of damage. And of course, get them to a warmer space as soon as possible. Stay cautious of windowsills and drafts as well. If the leaves start to curl over then turn brown, move the plant away from sills and drafts.

Now, if the temperature is too warm, some plants might not like that either. Some plants can’t handle the heat and will dry out too fast. Signs that the temperature is to warm are: flowers die quickly, leaves falling frequently after turning yellow, leaves wilting, or edges turning brown. Try turning the thermostat down or moving the plant away from heat registers and radiators.

A good suggested temperature range in the house is between 60-75°F. If you cannot maintain this year round, there are many creative ways to provide a sanctuary your plants can thrive in. A few ideas include: building an indoor greenhouse; This can be done by converting an old piece of furniture into a utopia for plants or buying a new piece of furniture to convert such as the very trendy “Ikea Greenhouse Cabinet”. Another idea is to confine plants to a single room with regulated light, temperature and humidity level.

Maintaining houseplants has its learning curves and variables that are different for every indoor plant owner. Don’t be afraid to try and try again, you’ll get the hang of it!