Should I Remove My Indoor Plants From My Balcony In The Winter?

During the fall and winter, the outside temperatures drop, rain increases, and wind increases, which can significantly impact plants, especially those not cold-hardy. To keep them safe and healthy, it is essential to bring them indoors before the harsh weather gets too harsh for them. The best time to bring plants inside is when nighttime temperatures start to drop below 55 to 60 degrees F.

Regarding bringing outdoor plants into the house for the winter, there are several tips to ensure a smooth and healthy transition. These include helping plants adjust to lower light levels, cutting plants back, checking for pests, monitoring the weather, and expecting an adjustment period.

The 50-50 rule suggests that plants should be brought indoors 50 days before the first frost or when temperatures are consistently around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Tender plants should be brought in when nighttime temperatures are below 50 to 55 degrees F, even if they are hardy for your zone. Minimizing the chilling effects of winter wind exposure is crucial, as it can cause damage.

It is important to move plants indoors before nighttime temperatures get below 45°F, as any colder will likely result in damage. Plants should be fine in a room with temperatures ranging from 55 to 70 degrees. Bringing plants inside will likely wake them up and start growing, so any attempt to put them back out will be detrimental. There is no specific day when plants should come inside; they should be brought inside before the nights turn really cold, so consider it around early autumn.

What temperature is too hot for indoor plants?

The baseline temperature for plants experiencing heat stress is 90°F (32°C). Houseplants are more susceptible to this stress due to a lack of air humidity and airflow, and may exhibit signs of discomfort at temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C) in confined conditions.

What to do with hanging baskets at the end of the season?

Planting an evergreen hanging basket is a great way to keep it looking beautiful all year round or replant it at the end of the summer season. There are many ideas online for setting up a basket that can last and look beautiful in winter conditions. Hardy plants and shrubs, such as winter blooming Pansies, can be used to keep life in the basket. Check out the blog “How to Make Winter Hanging Baskets” for a step-by-step guide on building a basket filled with hardy plants that will thrive over winter.

Do houseplants go dormant in winter?

Plants often experience periods of dormancy during the winter, which is essential for their survival. Symptoms of dormancy include wilting, dropping leaves, and appearing dead. However, some plants may not produce new growth during this period. Dormancy can be triggered by seasonal changes or environmental stress. Colder weather signals plants to go into dormancy before winter arrives, while environmental stress like lack of water, cold temperatures, or nutrients can also cause plants to conserve energy for future growth. Understanding whether plants are dormant or dying can be challenging due to similar symptoms.

How cold is too cold for most houseplants?

When nighttime temperatures drop to around 50°F, it’s time to bring plants indoors as most houseplants are native to tropical areas and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Most indoor plants will suffer damage when temperatures drop to the mid to lower 40s°F, and nearly all will die if exposed to below freezing temperatures. Before bringing plants indoors, check for insects and rinse off foliage while still outside. Once inside, keep plants isolated from other plants for 3 to 4 weeks.

Common indoor plant pests like scale, mealybug, aphids, whitefly, ants, or cockroaches will be evident after a month or so indoors. Inspect and address any issues as soon as they are noticed to prevent infestations on other plants. Place plants back inside in bright, indirect light, as even the brightest indoor locations are a fraction of the light intensity of conditions in a shade or part-shade location outside.

Can houseplants survive cold?

Houseplants typically only tolerate temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. If you’re heating only one room, ensure your plants are in that room. Keep them warm and away from windows and draughts, as temperatures fluctuate significantly. Some houseplants are particularly resilient to cold temperatures and draughts, making them ideal for winter weather. The UK’s consensus is that 18 to 21 degrees Celsius is the ideal range for home temperatures, but it’s important to keep your home in this range for health and comfort. However, there may be occasions when temperatures drop below this.

Can plants survive in a cold room?

It is possible for houseplants to survive at temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit; however, they will not grow at temperatures below this level. To guarantee their survival, it is recommended that an indoor greenhouse be constructed with the inclusion of heating mats or cables.

Can indoor plants recover from cold shock?

Houseplants are susceptible to mortality when temperatures decline. However, certain varieties possess the capacity to regenerate from healthy roots, even in the event of complete freezing of the top portion. The probability of survival is contingent upon the duration of exposure to low temperatures. The browser is unable to support cookies or JavaScript, which suggests that the extension is either disabled or blocked.

Where should indoor plants be placed in the winter?

House plants require a temperature of 12-18°C and should be kept away from cold drafts and open windows or doors. Leave curtains open at night to trap cold air, or move plants off windowsills at night. Avoid heat sources like radiators and fireplaces to avoid scorching foliage. Check for pests, such as aphids, scale insects, thrips, and mealybugs, by inspecting plants thoroughly under leaves and on top. Summer-out plants should be checked to prevent introduction of new pests and remove any found. Regular inspections throughout the winter can help address pest problems.

Are cold windows bad for plants?

Cold shock is a potential threat to tropical plants when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. This can cause damage to the plant’s foliage if the glass isn’t insulated. Plants are identified with hardiness ratings that match their safe grow zone. Most houseplants are tropical plants that can survive in a heated home during winter, but they will never survive outdoors unless the temperature stays above 50 degrees.

In northern zones 4 and 5, plants need to survive months of below freezing weather every winter. Most go dormant in winter, dropping their leaves and bare branches until spring when new buds form. Even these plants are at risk when temperatures drop below zero for unexpected extended periods.

Can you bring hanging baskets inside for winter?

Hanging basket plants thrive in cold weather, especially pansies, which are hardy plants that can withstand late snowfall or frost. They are popular among gardeners during spring (March – June) and are named after the French pensee, meaning ‘a thought’ or ‘hearts ease’. Choosing a basket full of pansies as a gift is an ideal way to show appreciation for the hardiness of these plants.

Why should you avoid placing plants next to windows during the winter?

Houseplants often sit on window sills, providing the most light. To prevent cold damage, move the plant away from the window and find a new spot under a lamp or overhead light. If the plant experiences cold damage, remove the affected leaves. Plants take a growth break during winter due to insufficient light. Some species may thin out to prepare for winter. Provide ample light and water, and your green plants will survive.

Fertilizer is most helpful in summer when the plant is taking in long hours of sunlight and is at its peak season of growth. In winter, the plant will not use these extra nutrients during short days, so it is best to halt fertilizing until spring. This will help your plants survive the winter season.